Toyota is to introduce a new vehicle lining material that is made 30% from sugarcane to reduce fuel consumption.

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The new material, bio-polyethylene terephthalate, or bio-PET, currently used in PET bottles, will be employed as a car interior fabric for the first time in the world, the company said.

Use of the new green fabric will begin with the luggage compartment of the Lexus CT200h hybrid due to be launched early next year. 

Toyota also plans to roll out a new vehicle model in which 80% of the interior will be made with eco-friendly plant-based plastics including bio-PET next year.

Besides helping to reduce oil consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, bio-PET is more resistant to wear and tear as well as heat, according to Toyota.

To date, the company has used material derived from corn for floor mats in some of its vehicles.

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