# Ford Material Award: Recognizing Recycled Materials

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/11/ford-material-award-recognizing-recycled-materials/
- Published: 2015-11-17T18:56:29-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## 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:

 1. Interior trims and insulation panels in the Mustang and F‑150 incorporate fiber
    by‑products from automotive and consumer industries.
 2. Cargo liners and floor mats use molded recycled rubber, sourced from post‑industrial
    scraps.
 3. Underbody shields and protective panels feature composites reinforced with up‑cycled
    glass fibers, boosting structural integrity while diverting waste from landfills.

[⌊image⌉⌊image⌉[

### Supplier Collaboration and Innovation 

Under Ford’s Lead Designer of Sustainable Materials Carol Kordich’s leadership, 
Ford began using [REPREVE](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/01/repreve-and-ford-a-sustainable-future-ahead/)
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®](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/seat-fabric-in-all-new-ford-focus-electric-uses-waste-to-create-a-better-world/).

Now Ford:

 1. collects plastic waste
 2. supplies it to yarn producers
 3. 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.

[⌊image⌉⌊image⌉[

### 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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/08/plant-based-plastics-the-rise-of-biodegradable-materials/)
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.

[⌊image⌉⌊image⌉[

“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.”

[⌊ford material award for recycled plastic⌉⌊ford material award for recycled plastic⌉[

### 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](http://Ford.com): Ford Motor Company