Remember Piñatex, the experimental faux leather made from pineapple leaves? Turns out it's more than just another eco-friendly fabric for cars. If the Philippines government has its way, it'll also be the key to eradicating poverty. … [Read more...] about This Car Fabric is Helping to End Poverty
Green Upholstery
Rinspeed Debuts an In-Car Radish Garden
Swiss automaker Rinspeed is no stranger to eco-friendly cars. But it's latest concept, Oasis, take the "go green" mantra literally with an in-cabin radish garden. … [Read more...] about Rinspeed Debuts an In-Car Radish Garden
Upholstery May One Day Replace Batteries
It’s no secret that "smart fabrics" are the wave of the future. Automakers are using them in concept vehicles to control equipment, provide interior lighting, make airbags more effective and more. Now, researchers in the U.S. and China are using smart fabrics to harness and store energy to power equipment — a technology that if applied to cars could replace batteries and be a … [Read more...] about Upholstery May One Day Replace Batteries
Interior Maker Takes on Flint Water Crisis
It's not easy to find the silver lining in Flint's water crisis — but at least one company is trying. C3 Venture, a manufacturer of plastics for automotive interiors, recently announced that it's investing $9.68 million to open a new facility in the Michigan city, where it will hire 380 locals to recycle plastic water bottles used by residents without access to clean tap water … [Read more...] about Interior Maker Takes on Flint Water Crisis
Automakers Pursue Alternative Fabrics
Over the past decade, automakers have attempted to develop high-quality, sustainable fabrics from odd sources — including pineapple leaves, water bottles, fruit paste, old pants, Christmas trees, sugarcane, newspapers, and even recycled dollar bills. In a recent article, BBC Autos highlights some of the most promising materials in development and speculates as to why … [Read more...] about Automakers Pursue Alternative Fabrics
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