Sustainability in motion: eco-friendly car parts

Nowadays, sustainability is a term we often hear and read about in the automotive industry. 

While most new models are made more eco-friendly through the implementation of emissions-free systems like hybrid and all-electric powertrains, sustainability can also be achieved by outfitting a vehicle with components that have less negative impact on the environment. 

The current trend has seen many carmakers apply changes to their production process and incorporate the use of environmentally friendly materials, from headlight to tailpipe. On that note (and to celebrate World Environment Day, which is observed every June 5), we take a quick look at some eco-friendly parts used by major car brands. 

Green steel 

When discussing eco-friendly car parts, it’s fitting to start from the base, which acts as the skeleton of the automobile — the chassis. 

Nissan, as an example, stated earlier this year that it will expand the use of low-carbon dioxide (CO2)-emission steel in Japan. 

Per the Japanese carmaker, steel parts account for approximately 60 percent of the vehicle’s weight. That said, replacing traditional steel with green steel will significantly contribute to reducing a car’s emission footprint. 

Nissan explained that in building cars, a significant part of the CO2 emissions comes from the process of reducing iron ore in blast furnaces. By switching to green steel, these harmful byproducts can be greatly reduced. 

Green steel is made using low-carbon-reduced iron or by using electric arc furnaces instead of blast furnaces to process the metal. 

And while we’re on the topic of low-carbon materials, Audi — sometime in 2022 — equipped the Q4 e-tron and the Q4 e-tron Sportback with wheels made from recycled alloys. 

According to the German auto brand, the low-carbon rims come from inhomogeneous scrap, which is turned into an alloy containing at least 70 percent recycled materials. 

Healthy upholstery 

In addition to green steel, some carmakers like Volvo integrate the use of recycled materials in their vehicles’ interior trims. 

The Swedish manufacturer has branded its own upholstery material, which it aptly called Nordico. Volvo noted that the said material is made from recycled polyester from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) made from bio-attributed material.

When processed, Nordico makes for a “smooth, durable, and easy to clean” material that is ideal for covering common surfaces such as seats, door trims, armrests, and dashboards. 

Nordico is used on various Volvo models such as the Volvo EX90 electric sport utility vehicle and the EX30 crossover. The latter is available to Filipino customers through distributor Hariphil Asia Resources, Incorporated. 

And Volvo does not stop with Nordico. The brand turns discarded PVC window frames and roller shutters into small flakes by pulverizing them. The end product is used for the top surface of the marque’s so-called particle décor. 

In addition, Volvo makes the most of discarded jeans. When these are shredded for recycling, the short fibers — which are usually thrown away — are rescued by the company and use them in its denim interior décor. 

Here are other eco-friendly interior finishings used by Volvo: 

Natural wool	Made from 30 percent natural wool fiber, 70 percent recycled polyester
Woven flax	Derived from linseed plants; requires less water to grow, less energy to make, produces less emissions
Wood interiors	Responsibly sourced under Forest Stewardship Council standards

Like Volvo, Mercedes-Benz also jumped onto the sustainable bandwagon. 

The German company applies similar alternatives to its interior trims. As an example, the floor coverings of the Mercedes-Benz EQS are made using a nylon yarn that comes from recycled carpets and recycled fishing nets. 

Windshields 

Audi started a project back in 2022 where the company recycled windshield windows and used them in the Q4 e-tron series. 

Per Audi, the process followed the steps below: 

• Windshields are broken into small pieces, all possible waste materials are removed 
• Glass shards are made into plate glass
• Finished material is fitted into new car 

To make the project happen, Audi teamed up with several companies such as Reiling Glas Recycling, Saint-Gobain Glass, and Saint-Gobain Sekurit. 

Tires 

Continental also dabbled in sustainable products with its UltraContact NXT. 

According to the German tire company, the aforementioned product is made from up to 65 percent renewable, recycled, and mass balance-certified materials. The said materials — Continental pointed out — come from the following: 

PET plastic bottles	Used to reinforce the carcass
Recycled steel	Used to reinforce tire
Rice husks	Used to make silica
Wood, paper resin	Used to improve tire grip

Also read: 

Flying the flag: car logos that carry their country’s colors

LOL: 5 vehicles with funny names

Pedal peddlers: Auto brands that sold bikes

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/