Ford Material Award
After competing among six other nominees for the award, Ford recently won the prestigious Society of Plastic Engineers’ (SPE®) Automotive Innovation Award for its seat fabrics made from 100 percent recycled materials. Ford’s use of these REPREVE materials helps to divert more than 11-million water bottles from landfills annually.
Ford’s commitment goes beyond just recycling plastics—it’s a visionary step toward a fully circular economy in automotive design. By integrating innovative recycled composites into both interiors and structures, Ford is demonstrating how everyday materials can be repurposed without compromising durability or performance. This sets a precedent in the auto industry and signals a shift toward zero‑waste manufacturing.
Ford Fusion Leads the Way
Ford is now scaling recycled materials across its global lineup. For instance:
- Interior trims and insulation panels in the Mustang and F‑150 incorporate fiber by‑products from automotive and consumer industries.
- Cargo liners and floor mats use molded recycled rubber, sourced from post‑industrial scraps.
- Underbody shields and protective panels feature composites reinforced with up‑cycled glass fibers, boosting structural integrity while diverting waste from landfills.
Supplier Collaboration and Innovation
Under Ford’s Lead Designer of Sustainable Materials Carol Kordich’s leadership, Ford began using REPREVE in 2012 to create seating fabric. The environmentally conscious material is used globally in five Ford vehicles, including the 2015 Ford F-150 and Ford Focus Electric.
Ford actively collaborates with suppliers to close industrial loops. Take the partnership with REPREVE®.
Now Ford:
- collects plastic waste
- supplies it to yarn producers
- and ensures that fabric scraps are returned or repurposed.
This not only optimizes raw material use but also fortifies Ford’s supply chain, creating a self‑reinforcing ecosystem of sustainable production.
Closed-Loop Material Integration with REPREVE®
Ford Builds a Closed-Loop System with REPREVE®
Carol Kordich, Ford’s Lead Designer of Sustainable Materials, led the charge to adopt REPREVE® in 2012. Since then, Ford has used this recycled polyester—made from post-consumer plastic bottles—in seat fabrics for five global models. That includes the 2015 F-150 and the Focus Electric.
Ford’s work with REPREVE® shows how closed-loop manufacturing works. The company collects plastic waste and sends it to yarn producers. These producers turn it into durable fibers. Ford then uses those fibers in its vehicles. At the same time, the company recaptures fabric scraps and puts them back into production.
This approach cuts the need for virgin materials. It also supports a circular supply chain. Even better, REPREVE® meets Ford’s high standards for strength and wear. All the while, it helps lower emissions tied to synthetic textiles.
“When I discovered this material, I knew it could make a global environmental impact,” said Kordich. Ford competed with six other nominees for the environmental award. “Using REPREVE is the right thing to do at Ford and for the world. Especially as we all push to make more sustainable choices. Receiving SPE’s award is an honor. Essentially since it validates that every choice we make can have a tremendous impact.”
Conclusion
Finally, Ford doesn’t just talk sustainability—it builds it. From the Fusion to future models, the company proves recycled materials work. Even better, these innovations improve performance and also cut waste. As a result, Ford sets a new bar for green manufacturing. Other automakers must soon follow. Because real progress demands action, not promises. Ford delivers both. That’s how a car company becomes a catalyst for environmental change.
Source: Ford Motor Company
