The world's first biofabric made with completely plant-derived fibres has been developed by the Mazda Motor Corporation in collaboration with Teijin Fibers.
The new biofabric does not contain any oil-based materials, yet it is said to possess the charcteristics required for use in vehicle seat covers - it is resistant to abrasion and damage from sunlight, in addition to being flame retardant.
Mazda plans to use the biofabric for the seat covers and door trim in the new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid that will be exhibited in October at the Tokyo Motor Show this year.
The vehicle will also feature a bioplastic, which Mazda developed in 2006, in the vehicle's instrument panel and other interior fittings.
The biofabric is made of 100 percent polylactic acid - a plastic created by combining large numbers of lactic acid molecules that are made from fermented carbohydrates such as plant sugars.
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