JLR has achieved a significant technological milestone in the closed-loop recycling of polyurethane seat foam from used vehicles by successfully reintegrating it into the production of new seats. This cooperation with Dow's MobilityScience™ material innovations and worldwide leader in automotive seats Adient marks the first time closed-loop seat foam content has been successfully used in car production. JLR, a luxury vehicle maker, is currently putting the material through its full production process, with the goal of testing its use at scale in pre-production vehicles early next year.
Polyurethane foams are notoriously difficult to recycle and are meant for long-term use, which means they end up in landfills and can linger in the environment for centuries. By establishing a closed-loop supply chain, JLR will be able to minimize emissions, eliminate waste, and ensure a consistent supply of low-carbon seat foam for its vehicles. The recovered foam will be one component of a novel 'circular seat' that is expected to reduce CO2e emissions by half while retaining good performance, saving about 44kg of CO2e per seat, which is equivalent to charging nearly 3,000 smartphones.
I am so excited about the potential of this way of working. It represents a collective commitment to doing things differently, challenging us to rethink our approach from all angles to find the solutions needed to design and build the cars of the future. Andrea Debbane, Chief Sustainability Officer, JLR
This collaboration highlights Dow's MobilityScience™ initiative to drive sustainable mobility through advanced material science. By leveraging our expertise and collaborating with Adient and JLR, we are developing technologies that support our net-zero carbon emissions and our circular and renewable solutions goals. Through Dow's RENUVA™ sustainability program, Dow addresses the growing demand for recycled materials by converting End of Life waste into new raw circular materials, helping our customers meet their recycled content targets. Through chemical and advanced recycling processes, this breakthrough depolymerization closed-loop recycling solution meets the requirements and maintains the superior comfort and quality of JLR seats. Jon Penrice, Mobility President, Dow
Source: Dow
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