Au(to) Natural

Imagine metal junkyards—the ugly graveyards of rusting cars and trucks—magically transformed into compost centers. The idea of cars being turned into organic matter, although seemingly impossible, is really not all that far-fetched. Automakers and scientists are teaming up to develop and employ new bio plastics made from sugar cane, sweet potatoes, elephant grass, soy beans, bananas, bamboo, and other plant matter. Lasting a minimum of 14 years, this green plastic is as tough and durable as its petroleum-based cousin when in use, but is actually vastly superior during the manufacturing process and once the car is retired.

Bio-Plastics
Bio-plastic requires less fuel for production than similar petroleum-based materials. Once the life of a vehicle made with bio-plastic is over, it can be added to a compost heap and morphed into fertilizer within only a few months. This plastic can only break down in the presence of concentrated levels of bacteria, like those found in a compost pile. So fear not, decomposing will not start in the garage.


Several carmakers are already working with bio plastics. Toyota set up a biotechnology division in 1998 and is currently considering building a plant devoted to bio-plastics in 2007. Additionally, Toyota is currently using bio-plastic for the floor mats and spare tire cover in the Prius and the Raum, a vehicle currently sold only in Japan. The automaker is betting on a billion dollar business by 2020 for Toyota Eco Plastic.

From the Ground Up
But Toyota is not the first automaker to look to plants for auto parts. Henry Ford, in 1940, wanted to "grow automobiles from the soil." He developed an experimental car made of resin-stiffened hemp fiber, which resisted dents even better than steel. Ford Motor Company is resurrecting that dream in a collaborative venture with the University of Toronto where scientists are working on creating biomaterials made of hemp to replace sheetmetal and fiberglass. These natural fibers could replace fiberglass as reinforcements in sheet molding compounds in body panels, grille openings, and other components. Natural fibers are less expensive than glass fibers, and they eliminate respiratory problems many workers experience from working with fiberglass. Glass is also very abrasive and the natural fibers would be kinder to machinery thus lowering maintenance costs on tooling.


Ford technicians are also developing foam for seats and head restraints made from soybeans. In early attempts, this foam smelled like vegetable oil, but further work in the lab eventually produced a fresh-cut flower scent. Ford's Concept Model U (pictured) utilizes soy-based seating foam and fiberglass in the tailgate as well as a textile fiber derived from corn and other starches in the canvas roof and carpet mats.