You Say Tomato; We Say Tom-Auto: Ford and Heinz Collaborate on Sustainable Materials for Vehicles
10 Giugno 2014 - 12:47PM
Business Wire
- Ford and H.J. Heinz Company explore the
use of tomato fiber to develop a more sustainable bio-plastic
material for vehicles
- Ford researchers are testing the
material’s durability for potential use in vehicle wiring brackets
and storage bins
- Success in developing a new more
sustainable composite could reduce the use of petrochemicals in
manufacturing and reduce the impact of vehicles on the
environment
It might seem that tomatoes and cars have nothing in common. But
researchers at Ford Motor Company and H.J. Heinz Company see the
possibility of an innovative union.
Researchers at Ford and Heinz are investigating the use of
tomato fibers in developing sustainable, composite materials for
use in vehicle manufacturing. Specifically, dried tomato skins
could become the wiring brackets in a Ford vehicle or the storage
bin a Ford customer uses to hold coins and other small objects.
“We are exploring whether this food processing byproduct makes
sense for an automotive application,” said Ellen Lee, plastics
research technical specialist for Ford. “Our goal is to develop a
strong, lightweight material that meets our vehicle requirements,
while at the same time reducing our overall environmental
impact.”
Nearly two years ago, Ford began collaborating with Heinz, The
Coca-Cola Company, Nike Inc. and Procter & Gamble to accelerate
development of a 100 percent plant-based plastic to be used to make
everything from fabric to packaging and with a lower environmental
impact than petroleum-based packaging materials currently in
use.
At Heinz, researchers were looking for innovative ways to
recycle and repurpose peels, stems and seeds from the more than two
million tons of tomatoes the company uses annually to produce its
best-selling product: Heinz Ketchup. Leaders at Heinz turned to
Ford.
“We are delighted that the technology has been validated,” said
Vidhu Nagpal, associate director, packaging R&D for Heinz.
“Although we are in the very early stages of research, and many
questions remain, we are excited about the possibilities this could
produce for both Heinz and Ford, and the advancement of sustainable
100% plant-based plastics.”
Ford’s commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle is part of the
company’s global sustainability strategy to lessen its
environmental footprint while accelerating development of
fuel-efficient vehicle technology worldwide. In recent years, Ford
has increased its use of recycled nonmetal and bio-based materials.
With cellulose fiber-reinforced console components and rice
hull-filled electrical cowl brackets introduced in the last year,
Ford’s bio-based portfolio now includes eight materials in
production. Other examples are coconut-based composite materials,
recycled cotton material for carpeting and seat fabrics, and soy
foam seat cushions and head restraints.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in
Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six
continents. With about 183,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide,
the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The
company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit
Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products
worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.
About H.J. Heinz Company
H.J. Heinz Company, offering “Good Food Every
Day”™ is one of the world’s leading marketers and producers of
healthy, convenient and affordable foods specializing in ketchup,
sauces, meals, soups, snacks and infant nutrition. Heinz provides
superior quality, taste and nutrition for all eating occasions
whether in the home, restaurants, the office or “on-the-go.” Heinz
is a global family of leading branded products, including Heinz®
Ketchup, sauces, soups, beans, pasta and infant foods (representing
over one third of Heinz’s total sales), Ore-Ida® potato products,
Weight Watchers® Smart Ones® entrees, T.G.I. Friday’s® snacks, and
Plasmon infant nutrition. Heinz is famous for its iconic brands on
six continents, showcased by Heinz® Ketchup, The World’s Favorite
Ketchup®.
For news releases, related materials and
high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.
for Ford Motor CompanyEddie Fernandez,
530-304-5383eddie.fernandez@ogilvy.com
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