Coca-Cola and the Ford Motor Company (News - Alert) are both well-known and respected globally. The two company’s have now come together to combine their knowledge and talents to help forge a greener future.
Both Coca-Cola and Ford have already taken steps to reduce its carbon footprints. In 2009 Coca-Cola introduced PlantBottle Technology. This technology was the first recyclable PET plastic bottle that was made partly from plants. The PlantBottle material was much safer for the environment than conventional plastic. It also saved Coca-Cola well over 400,000 barrels of oil.
image via technabob
After researching the advantages of the PlantBottle Technology Ford reached out to Coca-Cola. Soon a partnership was formed to turn this plant-based plastic into car parts. The partnership has led to the Ford Fusion Energi.
Parts of the experimental Fusion Energi’s interior are made from recycled PlantBottle Technology. The Energi’s seat upholstery, backrests, headrests, door inserts, and dashboard are all made with the new technology. Ford has been using environmentally friendly soy-based inserts in its car seats so adding PlantBottle trimmings was a natural fit.
Scott Vitters, the General Manager of Global PlantBottle Packaging at Coca-Cola, says that the possibilities for the future of PlantBottle Technology are limitless.
PlantBottle Technology reduces the use of petroleum-based products. Being made of plant-based fibres it is much cleaner to the environment when its components are recycled again.
So far Coca-Cola has sent out over 18 billion PlantBottle packages. Those packages have reached 28 countries. It is Coca-Cola's goal to go global with this technology.
Right now Ford is conducting durability test on the PlantBottle Technology to ensure that the material has the longevity of conventional materials. If tests prove positive Ford plans to mass produce the technology in the production of its vehicles in the future.
Ford will be showcasing the experimental Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid at this weeks 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Edited by Ryan Sartor