In effort to step up its commitment to use more sustainable materials in its vehicles, Ford announced it saved more than 4.1 million pounds of carpet from landfills last year by using the recycled material in cars. To create this savings, Ford used a material, made of a nylon resin derived from 100 percent recycled carpet, called EcoLon.
Ford uses EcoLon to make cylinder head covers for the 3.0-liter Duratec engine in the Fusion and the Escape, and also on the 5.0-liter engine, which powers the Mustang and the F-150.
"We didn't have to make compromises for this application," said Roy Ford, Ford engine sealing supervisor. "With a fixed raw material cost that delivers cost savings compared to oil, along with the green benefit, this application adds to the ways Ford is minimizing our impact on the environment."
Ford has been increasing the use of nonmetal recycled and bio-based materials, including soy foam seat cushions, recycled resins for underbody systems, recycled yarns on seat covers, and natural-fiber plastic for interior components.