Jan 17 2010
Toyota has adopted DuPont Sorona renewably sourced polymer as material for the ceiling surface skin, sun visor and pillar garnish of its new SAI model. DuPont Sorona fibers also were selected as materials for optional Toyota floor mats.
The new Toyota compact luxury SAI® model uses DuPont™ Sorona® in its interior materials.
Launched last month, the new SAI model is an intensively ecological "compact luxury car" equipped with a large percentage of eco-plastics made from plant-based materials. Renewably sourced materials comprise approximately 60% of the car's internal surface area. The new car will be sold through dealerships in Japan.
"Both DuPont and Toyota provide innovation that results in positive contributions to the lives of our customers and in an environmentally sustainable manner," said John Ranieri, vice president - DuPont BioMaterials Group, part of the company's Applied BioSciences business. "We are committed to bringing renewable materials to companies like Toyota, which has a strong sustainability intention."
DuPont Sorona polymer is a PTT resin made from a copolymerization of 1,3-propanediol, which is derived from plant sugar using a DuPont biotechnological fermentation process, and terephthalic acid. Sorona helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions, compared to the use of other petroleum-based materials used for conventional auto interior parts. This material contributes to measures against global warming and to saving depletable resources.
PTT fibers made from Sorona meet the strict performance requirements for automotive use. At the same time, they provide a rich and soft texture. This new application for Toyota's SAI demonstrates how DuPont's market-driven science is responding to four megatrends, one of which is decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.