France : Faurecia going skin friendly way with natural fibres
Write:
Nachmanke [2011-05-20]
Every day new innovations in all spheres of life are lending their hands to make the world a better place to live. That race is, however, taking its toll on the environment. Most of the eco-conscious fashionistas are now taking a u-turn, to go back to the basics. Then why should the automotive industry be left behind.
Faurecia, the big name among the world’s auto makers and its customers, while thinking of doing something new, has created an amazing interior for the car. Now, people can get away from the plastic feeling inside the car as Faurecia has introduced accessories using natural fibres derived from hemp, coconut, bamboo or kenaf.
Talking about this particular innovation to Fibre2fashion, Mr Philippe Aumont, VP Product Planning and Innovation of Faurecia told, “Natural materials are mostly focused so far on structural materials, such as door panels, instrument panels. The company is developing in parallel new skin materials, including large wooden surfaces for the car interior as showcased in the recently launched concept car Premium Attitude.”
While informing about sources of raw materials for the production of car accessories, Mr Philippe Aumont said, “It has not been finalized yet. Several projects are still in the development phase. However wood fibers are in production and we import them from many different countries.”
Discussing about the potential market for this product, Mr Aumont said, “We foresee applications wherever cars are produced and sold. As an automotive supplier, we have focused our industrial organization around automakers' production sites.”
Although, natural materials like hemp, coconut, bamboo, bring benefits in term of environment friendliness, they are competitive as well. The original equipment market (automakers) is not ready to pay a premium for this, said the VP.