Supplier Teijin Fibres and automaker Mazda claim to have invented the world’s first biofabric made with completely plant-derived fibres, suitable for use in vehicle interiors.
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The newly developed biofabric does not contain any oil-based materials, yet it possesses the quality and durability required for use in vehicle seat covers, the companies said.
The new biofabric is made of 100% polylactic acid–a plastic created by combining large numbers of lactic acid molecules that are made from fermented carbohydrates such as plant sugars.
Mazda said it would strengthen its future research and development on non-food-based materials in consideration of the impact such technologies have on food supplies and plans to use the biofabric for the seat covers and door trim in the new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid that will be exhibited in October at the Tokyo motor show.
The model will also feature a bioplastic which Mazda developed in 2006, in the vehicle’s instrument panel and other interior fittings.
