Back in 2000, Ford began researching the use of materials that would be durable for vehicles. As a result of this investigation, Ford cars now have eight materials that are sustainable-based. Ford announced last year that they would be adding the agave plant to this list of materials that they would be using with the partnership with the Jose Cuervo® Tequila company. Together, they will be using the by-product of agave from Jose Cuervo's tequila production to create more sustainable bioplastics for Ford vehicles.
After 10 years of growing agave so that it is large enough to be harvested for the tequila it is harvested, roasted, pressed, fermented, and then the juices are extracted for distillation. Even though a portion of the remaining fibers are used as compost and local artisans will use the material for crafts and agave paper, but a lot of the material is never used and disposed of.
Today, an average vehicle contains about 400 pounds of plastic. Renewable bioplastics give Ford the opportunity to create lighter parts which can be durable just like traditional plastic parts. Ford is now testing the agave bioplastic in both interior and exterior vehicle parts.
By developing a sustainable composite from agave could reduce vehicle weight, improving the fuel efficiency across the cars and the battery range of the EV vehicles. This will also allow Ford to reduce the use of petrochemicals and the impact of vehicle production on the environment. This partnership will demonstrate the commitment Ford has to responsible environmental stewardship through the use of biomaterials.
Ford of Clermont
1101 E. Highway 50, Clermont Fl
Contact: 800-313-9787
