Ford World News: Committed to the environment, Ford continues the search for sustainable materials

An impressive number of alternatives to products made from petroleum are being reviewed for their possible applications in Ford vehicles – biodegradable materials such as out-of-circulation paper money, cellulose from trees, Guinea grass, sugarcane, dandelions, maize, coconut and more.“Ford has a long history of developing green technologies, because it’s the right thing to do from an environmental standpoint” said John Viera, global director of sustainability and vehicle environmental matters at Ford Motor Co.New sustainable materials that can meet Ford’s strict requirements and survive its tests could join the growing list of alternatives to the petroleum-based materials currently in use.One example is the seat cushions made of soy in all Ford vehicles including the new Fusion. The new Escape model has armrests on the doors partly made of kenaf, a plant of the cotton family.“The manufacture of highly fuel-efficient vehicles is our highest priority in reducing our environmental impact” said Carrie Majeske, manager of product sustainability strategies at Ford.“We’re aware that the use of sustainable materials in our cars, utility vehicles and trucks can also help reduce the environmental impact. These are measures that are not only the best for our planet in the long run, but are profitable as well” she said.