Aug 21/24

Automotive Interior Parts: Exploring Sustainable Recycling Methods

 

Vehicle manufacturing has come a long way in the last 150 years. Through innovations in interior parts, materials, and production methods, cars are much lighter and more fuel-efficient.

They are safer and longer-lasting as well. These advances have led to greater sustainability as well.

This article explores some of the newest methods used in automotive interior parts production. The information below explains how these automotive recycling practices are increasing recyclability and decreasing waste. Keep reading to find out how you can help minimize environmental impact while keeping production costs low.

Products

Automakers are increasingly turning to sustainable materials to create more eco-friendly automotive interiors. There are three main areas where this has been the most impactful.

• Vegan leather
• Natural fibers
• Recycled plastics

Vegan Leather

Faux leather has historically gotten a bad reputation. That is because it looked and felt fake, and tended to be of poor quality. Today, that is no longer the case.

Materials like pineapple leaves, apple peels, and recycled plastics are now used to make surfaces that resemble real leather. These textiles are durable and great-looking. Also, besides not using animal products, vegan leather production is much less resource- and energy-intensive than methods used to make traditional leather.

Natural Fibers

Natural fibers like hemp, flax, and bamboo are now used in vehicle carpets, upholstery, and trim. These products are renewable and biodegradable. They also require far less energy to produce than many synthetic alternatives.

Recycled Plastics

This category has had the largest impact on improving the sustainability of automotive interior parts. It also played the biggest role in increasing safety, reducing weight, and improving the fuel efficiency of cars.

Most plastics are recyclable, so this minimizes waste during production processes. Reusing waste plastic also avoids having to source new materials.

Finally, different resins can be used to produce distinct outcomes. This includes producing the desired level of hardness or malleability in parts, and in almost any configuration. This all translates to better-performing parts and increased safety.

Production Methods

Many vehicles today are made from approximately 50 percent plastic. However, those materials only contribute to about 10 percent of the total weight.

One of the reasons this is possible is the advances in production methods. Innovative techniques have allowed green automotive suppliers to make parts that were once only achievable using metal.

For instance, injection molding involves melting plastic pellets and then injecting the material into a mold under high pressure. This allows manufacturers to make intricate parts that would otherwise be impossible to make.

Blow molding involves heating plastic until it is pliable, then inflating it within a mold to form a desired shape. It is used to make hollow parts with very thin layers. It has become the go-to production method for fuel tanks, air intake components, interior panels, and many other parts.

Learn More About Sustainability in Automotive Interior Parts

Now that you understand the different recycling automotive materials and methods to minimize environmental impact, you can find an automotive interior parts producer that is in line with your business’s sustainability goals.

At Mayco International, we provide Tier 1 components for every phase of interior and exterior automotive systems. We are located in Michigan but have affiliates throughout the world. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation or learn more about sustainable car parts.

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