Mitsubishi Chemical (MC) has announced it has extended its collaboration with Audi through the selection of bio-material Durabio for the door switch inserts in the new Audi Q3, which was launched in October 2025.

The German-based European subsidiary of the Mitsubishi Chemical Group said the order marks the debut of Durabio in an Audi interior application. It says the new door switch panel – crafted from a single Durabio moulded component – offers significant improvements in manufacturing efficiency, design flexibility, and environmental performance.

Moreover, the company says the switch panel, designed with three distinct textures – shiny high-gloss, grained, and matte – demonstrates Durabio’s ‘exceptional moulding versatility’. MC says that capability eliminates the need for multiple components and post-processing steps such as painting, streamlining production and therefore reduces costs.

“We’re proud to partner with Audi on this project and showcase how Durabio aligns with their values of quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility,” said Nicolas Sawaguchi, Business Development Manager Performance Polymers EMEA at Mitsubishi Chemical.

Developed by Mitsubishi Chemical, Durabio is a partially bio-based engineering polymer derived from isosorbide. Thanks to the addition of bio-based material, it significantly reduces the consumption of fossil fuel-based materials. The elimination of painting processes minimises CO₂ emissions, waste, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).