Ford has teamed up with tequila producer Jose Cuervo to explore the use of an agave plant by-product to develop more sustainable bioplastics for use in Ford vehicles. They’re testing the material for use in vehicle interior and exterior components like wiring harnesses, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units and storage bins. Initial assessments favor its durability and aesthetic qualities, the automaker said in a statement. Successful development of the sustainable composite could help reduce weight and lower energy consumption, while reducing the burning of petrochemicals and the impact of vehicle production on the environment. According to United Nations data, five billion metric tons of agricultural biomass waste is produced annually in the world.
Agave fibers, the waste from tequila production, can reduce the amount petrochemcals used in automotive production.