DEARBORN, Mich., May 29, 2012 – Ford’s new Fusion will be available this fall. It features materials that are lighter and also improve fuel efficiency plus safety. The use of strong steel and aluminum makes it tough. The Fusion is a great option for drivers. It’s also promoting sustainability while maintaining quality. With these advancements, Ford aims to lead in the midsize sedan market. This shows its commitment to the environment and providing an enjoyable driving experience.
- Denim material equivalent to slightly more than two average-sized pairs of blue jeans
- 38.9 clear plastic 16-ounce recycled bottles, which are perfect for various storage purposes, offering a lightweight and durable option for both personal and commercial use.
“Building vehicles with great fuel economy is our top priority. It reduces our impact on the environment,” says Carrie Majeske, Ford product sustainability manager. “With each new product design, we increase the use of renewable and recyclable materials in our cars, utilities, and trucks. This approach helps to lessen environmental impact.”
Additionally, it enhances the overall efficiency of our vehicles. As we innovate, we are adapting to the changing landscape of automotive technology. We strive to keep sustainability at the core of our mission. Incorporating sustainable practices and materials meets consumer demands. Moreover, it reflects our commitment to a greener future. Each step we take toward this goal shows our dedication to minimizing waste. We promote environmental stewardship across all aspects of our products.”
Fusion’s jean pool
The all-new Ford Fusion is very quiet thanks to its Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) control, meeting high standards. It uses post-industrial, re-used cotton to reduce outdoor sounds. Each Fusion includes the denim equivalent of over two pairs of average American blue jeans. This cuts down road, wind, and engine noise. With additional noise-reducing methods Ford engineers have used for years, the 2013 Fusion provides a quiet and relaxing driving experience.
Clearly sustainable
Fusion’s North American cloth seat surfaces are made from 100 percent REPREVE® yarn, a blend of post-industrial and post-consumer waste. This means it uses materials from industry and everyday consumers. Cloth-seat Fusion models contain the equivalent of 38.9 recycled, clear 16-ounce plastic bottles. This fabric meets or exceeds Ford’s durability and performance standards and has a luxurious feel.
Post-consumer plastic water and soda bottles get to collecting across the country weekly. They undergo chopping, grinding, melting, and reformulation into chips. The process extrudes and textures these chips into fiber. Manufacturers use the fibers to create fabric. Then the fabric is:
colored
finished
and rolled for shipment.
Excess fabric from each procedure in the process recycles back into the system. That’s to further eliminate waste. Therefore, it’s ensuring that every piece of material gets utilized effectively. This approach minimizes the environmental impact associated with textile production. It also promotes sustainability within the industry. By integrating recycling practices into our operations, we create a closed-loop system. Here, discarded fabric transforms into new, usable resources. In doing so, we reduce waste and contribute to a more responsible manufacturing process. This respects both the planet and future generations.
Ford Fusion Materials : Foam from soy
The foam used in seat cushions, seat backs, and head restraints is a soy-based sustainable material. This plays a significant role in promoting environmental responsibility. This innovative foam contains the equivalent of approximately 31,250 soybeans. It showcases a remarkable commitment to sustainability by utilizing a renewable resource. Furthermore, the integration of soy into the foam enhances durability and comfort. It also reduces reliance on petroleum-based products, which have traditionally been used in foam production. This shift supports local agriculture and contributes to a decrease in the overall carbon footprint. This reflects a broader movement towards eco-friendly materials in the automotive and furniture industries. The use of such sustainable resources is crucial in paving the way for a greener future. It highlights the importance of making informed choices in product development and design.
Ford first uses soy-based foam in the Ford Mustang in 2007. This move marks a significant shift toward sustainable manufacturing. Today, Ford integrates soy foam into every vehicle built in North America, showcasing its commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. By incorporating this plant-based material, Ford reduces petroleum production by over 5 million pounds. This demonstrates the potential of renewable resources in automotive production. Additionally, the initiative cuts carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20 million pounds annually. This highlights the positive impact of sustainable materials on climate change. As consumers seek eco-friendly options, Ford’s proactive approach enhances vehicle performance and comfort. It reflects a broader commitment to ecological stewardship in the automotive industry.
Post-consumer materials
Every 2013 Fusion uses plastic made from recycled car battery casings. This choice shows Ford’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. These post-consumer materials, previously destined for a landfill, help reduce waste. Furthermore, they promote recycling initiatives effectively. This innovative approach minimizes the carbon footprint and supports a circular economy.
You can find this plastic in various critical components of the vehicle. For example, the fender splash shields and underbody components are ensuring durability. At the same time, they also maintain lightweight characteristics that enhance fuel efficiency.
Annually, the Fusion uses close to 2 million pounds of re-used plastic, which is, indeed, a remarkable figure that shows Ford’s commitment to “greener” practices. This impressive usage not only minimizes waste but also, furthermore, demonstrates the company and their innovative approach to going green. It, therefore, shows a proactive stance in dealing with environmental issues. Consequently, it contributes to a more sustainable car industry. In addition, it paves the way for other manufacturers to adopt similar methods and, crucially, prioritize the use of recycled materials in their production processes. In doing so, Ford not only meets the demands of environmentally conscious consumers but also plays a pivotal role in fostering a circular economy. Here, materials are continually reused.
Unique contributions add up
“We are holistic in reducing our environmental footprint by utilizing post-industrial (blue jeans), post-consumer (battery cases) and sustainable materials technologies (soy foam),” Majeske says. “We do whatever makes the most sense for each application. This makes sense environmentally from a lifecycle perspective.
“Our customers appreciate these steps; they are also affordable and better for our planet,” she adds. By adopting sustainable practices, we certainly improve our services and help the environment. Each decision is thought out to ensure it fits our commitment to going green. That boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty. Their greener approach appeals to consumers who value responsible choices. As a result, we are helping contribute to a greener future. This method benefits us economically and encourages others in the industry to do the same.
