Mitsubishi Motors Develops New Interior Surface Material Of PET Fibre And Cotton Combination

TOKYO - March 9, 2011: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced the development of a new interior surface material, combining PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) and cotton fibres as a new addition to the Green Plastic” lineup, MMC’s original plant-based material technology. It will first be used for vehicle seats and plans to be commercially produced this summer.

Car interior surface materials have generally used petroleum-based materials such as PET fibres, due to its durability and flame retardant nature. This new material has knitted-in cotton fibre, commonly used natural materials effective in regards to reduce CO2 and preserve oil resources, in to the PET fibre base. This material has been able to attain the high standards required for automobile parts with its effective original structural design and a flame retardant treatment proper to characteristics of cotton fibres. The material is able to be used not only for vehicle seats but also other areas such as in ceilings and trim surfaces. Due to the fact that cotton is an easily attainable fabric, this new material is expected to have expanded usage through different car types from hereon.

Preliminary calculations showed that CO2 emission throughout the lifecycle (from attaining raw materials to disposal) has been reduced by about 20 per cent compared to conventional products (PET 100%).

In an effort to help stop global warming and slow the depletion of oil reserves, MMC is implementing further research and development in “Green Plastic” technology to substitute the petroleum-based materials, widely used in automobile parts. With products such as “Bamboo fiber/PBS (Polybutylene succinate) interior trim material”, “PTT (Polytrimethylene terephtarate) fiber floor mats” and “Liquefied wood phenol resin” already in commercial use, MMC will keep going forward with further technological development and aim for sequential utilisation.