Mazda Creates Plant-Derived Biofabric For Interiors

Since neither science nor chemistry was our forte, we’ll use Mazda’s own words to explain: “The biofabric is made of 100 percent polylactic acid, which is a plastic created by combining large numbers of lactic acid molecules that are made from fermented carbohydrates such as plant sugars”.

Huh? Oh, well, to make it simple, Mazda created a durable plant-derived biofabric for vehicle interiors without using any oil-based materials. See that wasn’t so difficult wasn’t it. The Japanese firm plans to use the biofabric for the first time on the seat covers and door trim in the all-new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid that will be displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show this October. -Press release and images after the jump

Mazda Develops World's First Biofabric Made With 100 Percent Plant-Derived Fiber for Vehicle Interiors

HIROSHIMA, Japan - The world’s first biofabric made with completely plant-derived fibers, suitable for use in vehicle interiors, has been developed by Mazda Motor Corporation in collaboration with Teijin Limited and Teijin Fibers Limited. This newly developed biofabric does not contain any oil-based materials, yet it possesses the quality and durability required for use in vehicle seat covers. Resistant to abrasion and damage from sunlight, in addition to being flame retardant, the new biofabric meets the highest quality standards. Based on this biotechnology, Mazda will strengthen its future research and development on non-food-based materials in consideration of the impact such technologies have on food supplies. Mazda plans to use the biofabric for the seat covers and door trim in the all-new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid that will be exhibited in October at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007. The all-new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will also feature a bioplastic, which Mazda developed in 2006, in the vehicle’s instrument panel and other interior fittings.

All of Mazda’s biomaterials fall under the “Mazda Biotechmaterial” brand name. Mazda is dedicated to continuing its research and development efforts for these environmentally friendly technologies which will help to realize a sustainable society in the future.

This newly developed biofabric has harnessed the latest technologies to control the entire molecular architecture of raw resins to improve fiber strength until the fabric attained sufficient resistance to abrasion and light damage for practical use in vehicle seat covers. The biofabric is made of 100 percent polylactic acid--a plastic created by combining large numbers of lactic acid molecules that are made from fermented carbohydrates such as plant sugars. Mazda developed this new biofabric in collaboration with Teijin Limited and Teijin Fibers Limited, companies with R&D and manufacturing sites in the region near Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima. Other crucial qualities necessary for the highest performing fabrics, such as fire retardant properties, were achieved through Mazda’s accumulated experience in surface technologies built up through years of cooperation with several local companies.

Seita Kanai, Mazda’s director and senior executive officer in charge of R&D, said, “Mazda succeeded in developing this 100 percent plant-derived biofabric for use in vehicle interiors by leveraging the technical expertise we have amassed in the Hiroshima area. We are convinced that our new technology, which enables the manufacture of this material without any oil-based resources, will become a cornerstone for future biotechnologies aimed at reducing the burden on the environment. Mazda, working together with our locally-based partners, will continue its research and development programs aimed at achieving a future car society that is eco-friendly.”