Toyota to Increase Use of Eco-Friendly Plastic

Toyota has managed to associate its brand with the green movement, thanks largely to its influential Prius hybrid. It’s also looking to green up its cars in other areas such as interior plastics.

This is why Toyota plans to increase the vehicles’ interior components to 60% ecological plastics by the end of 2009. The material will be used in parts of the car as varied as scuff plates, headliners and seat cushions.

Ecological plastics are made from plant-derived material, and it’s sometimes combined with petroleum products. Throughout its lifecycle, ecological plastic produces less CO2 and reduces petroleum use while maintaining the heat and shock resistance needed for a vehicle’s interior.

Toyota’s plastic begins its life as a starch feedstock, largely as sweet potatoes.

Toyota to Increase ‘Ecological Plastic’ in Vehicle Interiors, Starting with New Hybrid (Green Car Congress)