Mazda Developed Green Fabrics

Anthony Fontanelle
September 13, 2007

Automakers have been making progress in the development of eco-friendly vehicles in the past five years or so. Hybrids are no longer new to consumers. And today, automakers are aiming to mass produce hybrid vehicles which can be recharged by plugging it into a common electrical outlet. These are called plug-in hybrid vehicles. But vehicle powertrains are not the only aspect of an automobile that Mazda is focusing on. That's because the Japanese automaker has succeeded in developing a fabric for automotive application made from plant-derived fibers.

The said fabric is the first of its kind in the world and of course in the industry. The biofabric as it is called is the result of the partnership between Mazda Motor Corporation and Teijin Limited and Teijin Fibers Limited. According to Mazda's newsletter, the fabric does not contain any oil-based material. Although it does not contain any of those materials, the eco-friendly fabric can withstand abrasion and damage from sunlight. It is also a tough fabric since it is flame retardant. With all those qualities, the biofabric met the highest of quality standards.

The biofabric which Mazda has developed will only be the start o the automaker's further study on the development of products for automotive application which will have a positive impact on the environment.

According to the automaker, the biofabric will be used on all the seat covers and door trims of the all-new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid which will be showcased at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show 2007 in October. Aside from the biofabric, the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will also be employing the bioplastic which Mazda has developed last year.

In the future, we can expect that these environment-friendly fabrics and plastics will be used on other Mazda vehicles. Today, Mazda's lineup includes the Mazda B2300, the B300, B400, CX-7, CX-9, MPV, MX-5, Mazda3, Mazda5, and the Mazda6. These vehicles may soon be using eco-friendly seat covers and equally eco-friendly plastics for the instrument panel along with the use of reliable components such as Mazda Miata parts.

Both the bioplastic and the biofabric fall under the "Mazda Biotechmaterial" brand name. The line is expected to grow as Mazda announced that it will dedicate itself to the continuation of the research and development of green products for automotive application.

Seita Kanai, Mazda's director and senior executive officer in charge of Research and Development said, "Mazda succeeded in developing this 100 percent plant-derived biofabric for use in vehicle interiors by leveraging the technical expertise we have amassed in the Hiroshima area. We are convinced that our new technology, which enables the manufacture of this material without any oil-based resources, will become a cornerstone for future biotechnologies aimed at reducing the burden on the environment. Mazda, working together with our locally-based partners, will continue its research and development programs aimed at achieving a future car society that is eco-friendly."

According to the automaker, the biofabric is made out of 100 percent polylactic acid. This is a form of plastic produced by combining large numbers of lactic acid molecules made from fermented carbohydrates such as plant sugars.

Source:  Amazines.com