Toyota To Increase Use of Plant-Derived 'Ecological Plastics' in Vehicle Interiors

Toyota To Increase Use of Plant-Derived 'Ecological Plastics' in Vehicle Interiors

Toyota Motor Corp. has unveiled plans to use plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in many of its vehicle models, including the redesigned 2010 Prius hybrid that will make its world debut at the Detroit auto show next month.

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The 2010 Prius will contain bioplastics.
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The so-called "ecological plastics" are polymer materials derived from biomass oils rather than petroleum. They emit less global-warming carbon dioxide during a product's lifecycle (from manufacture to disposal) than petroleum-based plastic.

Toyota, which first used bioplastics in Japanese-market Raum mini MPV in 2003, says its ecological plastic used in the all-new Prius and future vehicles meets the heat-resistance and shock-resistance demands of vehicle interiors and is every bit the equal of conventional plastics quality-wise.

Japan's largest automaker hopes to use plant-based plastic for up to 60 percent of the plastic components within vehicles (such sun visors, pillar covers and scuff plates) by the end of next year.

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.