Introduction
Who would think the Kenaf plant is being used by Ford in a door? Drivers of the all-new Ford Escape may be surprised. That’s to find out there is a plant inside the door.
Door Bolsters
For Ford Motor Company announced it has started using oil from a tropical plant. For it’s called Kenaf. That’s to replace some of the petroleum-based oil used in door bolsters.
Specifically, Ford will be incorporating Kenaf into the door bolsters. That’s for the all-new Escape. Thereby saving weight and also energy.
Kenaf Plant Makes the All-New Escape Greener. For Kenaf plant makes the all-new Escape greener in their door. Most importantly and a trip to the pump cheaper. (01/26/2012)
A little more on Kenaf
In addition, Kenaf is a tropical plant. One that looks similar to bamboo and is also related to cotton. It is also used in eco-friendly cosmetics. Moreover the fiber is an alternative to wood. I mean for paper and cardboard.
So let’s hear it for Kenaf. This a tropical plant related to cotton and also okra plants. For it is being used to replace oil-based materials. All in the doors of the all-new Ford Escape.
Environmental Benefits
Use of this eco-friendly material is anticipated to offset 300,000 pounds of oil. For it’s an oil based resin used annually in North America.
Kenaf also reduces the weight of the door. Thereby bolstering 25 percent weight reduction and improving fuel economy.
Kenaf is also used in cosmetics. Moreover, kenaf fiber is an alternative to wood. For it can be used to make paper and cardboard. Moreover it’s leaves are edible.
Other Uses
Kenaf oil is used in cosmetics and kenaf fiber is used as an alternative to wood in the production of paper. The upper leaves and shoots of the plant are edible.
The kenaf is combined with polypropylene in a 50-50 mixture. All inside the door of the Escape. International Automotive Components (IAC) manufactures the door bolsters in Greencastle, Ind.
Kenaf part of a greener Escape
The new Escape, which will be available to customers this spring, features several eco-friendly components in addition to the kenaf inside the doors.
Materials that are recycled, renewable, and that reduce impact on the environment include soy foam in the seats and head restraints. Also, plastic bottles and other post-consumer and post-industrial materials in the carpeting. Furthermore, climate control gaskets made from recycled tires. Finally and more than 10 pounds of scrap cotton from the making of denim jeans.
Recycled Reused
Most noteworthy is the wide use of more environmentally friendly motto. Also using recycled and recyclable materials. I think it’s attempting to complement Ford. For they are projecting this best-in-class image. Then pushing fuel economy of the Ford Escape (not plug-in or hybrids). This of course further boosts the vehicle’s environmentally responsible credentials. Finally, the new Escape meets the USCAR Vehicle Recycling Partnership goal. For that’s to make sure 85 percent of the vehicle is recycled.
Source: Ford Motor Company, DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 26, 2012
