The cars of the future could incorporate plastics made from tomato fibre. Ford and Heinz are working together to use food by-products to reduce dependence on petrochemical materials.
Dried tomato skins could be made into wiring brackets or storage bins using sustainable composite materials incorporating plant fibre. "We are exploring whether this food processing by-product makes sense for an automotive application," said Ellen Lee, Ford plastics research specialist. "Our goal is to develop a strong, lightweight material that meets our vehicle requirements, while at the same time reducing our overall environmental impact."
For nearly two years Ford had been working with Heinz, The Coca-Cola Company, Nike Inc. and Procter & Gamble on plant-based plastics. The exercise is part of the automotive giant's commitment to reduce its environmental footprint. A number of components already incorporate bio-based materials including cellulose fibres reinforcing centre consoles and rice hull-filled electrical cowl brackets. There are also coconut-based composite materials and soy foam seat cushions.
Anything else?
Each year Heinz processes over two million tons of tomatoes to make ketchup with skin, stems and seeds left over; the company is keen to find innovative uses for this material.
Vidhu Nagpal, Heinz's Research and Development associate director, said: "We are delighted that the technology has been validated. 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 per cent plant-based plastics."