Reducing, reusing, and recycling...three missions American automaker Ford outlines in their global sustainability strategy. And while, we don't always talk about it, the company is working hard to fulfill its environmental commitments.
In cooperation with Recycled Polymeric Materials (RPM), Ford has found a way to prevent retired tires from going straight to the landfill. By combining recycled tire particulate with soy, the two companies have developed lighter, eco-friendly gaskets to be used in Ford vehicles. Seat cushions, for example are made using soy. Plastics are filled with wheat straw. Recycled resins are used in underbody systems. Recycled yarns are used in seat covers. And, natural-fiber plastic is used for interior components.
"When it comes to finding a way to use more renewable and recyclable content, Ford and our suppliers are looking at every part of a vehicle," says Dr. Cynthia Flanigan, technical leader, Research & Innovation, Ford. "As long as an application meets our strict quality performance standards, we'll strive to get these sustainable materials on our vehicles."1
To date, over 2.2-million pounds of rubber from 210,000 discarded tires have been recycled and mixed with 150,000 pounds of soy to create RPM seals and gaskets. Interestingly, Ford first introduced the sustainable gaskets and seals in 2008. Now, a total of 11 vehicles in their 2011 model-year lineup are fitted with the eco-friendly components. These include, the:
Over the past few years, Ford has been focusing intently on finding ways to increase their reliance on recycled plastics and bio-renewable materials. By and large, they've succeeded. Seat cushions, for example are made using soy. Plastics are filled with wheat straw. Recycled resins are used in underbody systems. Recycled yarns are used in seat covers. And, natural-fiber plastic is used for interior components.
- Ford Escape- Ford Taurus
- Ford Flex
- Ford Fiesta
- Ford Mustang
- Ford Focus
- Ford Transit Connect
- Ford F-150
- Ford F-250
- Ford F-350
- Lincoln (Ford's luxury arm) MKS
Drivers in Snohomish interested in learning more about any of these notable Ford models, are invited to contact Bickford Ford at 877-356-2707 today. Or, swing by and visit us in person at 3100 Bickford Avenue Snohomish, WA 98290. We're happy to share complete vehicle specs, compare models, and arrange test drives.
Source: 1http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=34906
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