Automobile uses sustainable fibers Reducing the Environmental Footprint with Sustainable Fibers

A Sustainable Solution for Automotive Interiors

The automotive industry has an increasing need for high-performance, environmentally sustainable fibers.

The Challenge

The Toyota SAI® meets the increasing demands for a sustainable luxury automobile by using Sorona® renewably sourced polymer for the ceiling surface skin, sun visor and pillar garnish. Sorona® complements the SAI® eco-friendly design, which is comprised of 60 percent renewably sourced materials for the car’s internal surface area.

Sorona® is a polytrimethylene terepthalate (PTT) polymer derived from the  biotechnological fermentation process. It reduces the net production of greenhouse gases without compromising performance.

The Solution

Water Resistance

Sorona® has low moisture content, allowing carpets and fibers to dry faster, which reduces the chance for odor, mold and mildew. This makes the Toyota SAI® easier to clean and maintain. Tests show that Sorona® carpets dry 15 percent faster than nylon 6 carpets and 10 percent faster than nylon 66 carpets.

Durability

An inherent property of Sorona® is its built-in stain resistance. It offers permanent stain resistance without the use of secondary treatments.

Sorona® fibers provide the strength and resiliency of nylon with the softness of polyester. It has excellent bulk and loft, which means it is airy and light, giving it a luxurious feel. It also has excellent wrinkle and crush resistance, giving it a great aesthetic appeal.

Elasticity

Featuring excellent elastic and stretch recovery, Sorona® provides added comfort and increased durability.

Versatility

Sorona® fibers are available in a variety of vibrant colors and can be used in weft knit, warp knit, flat knit, woven and non-woven fabrics. The SAI® uses Sorona® for a various interior applications, including the ceiling surface skin, the sun visor, and the pillar garnish. Sorona® can also be used in floor mats, seat covers, door trim and headliners.

Sustainability

Answering an increasing demand for sustainable products, Sorona® fibers contain 37 percent annually renewable plant-based ingredients. Producing Sorona® uses 30 percent less energy, 21 percent less process water and 63 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to nylon 6, which is commonly used for automotive interiors.

Key Advantages

Toyota SAI® chose Sorona® fibers not only because of its sustainable composition and processability, but also for its strength, durability and elasticity. Sorona® outperforms its nylon counterparts while reducing greenhouse emissions and the dependence on fossil fuels for petroleum-based materials.