Tuesday 19 June 2018
Volvo has pledged to ensure at least 25% of the plastics used in its cars will be made from recycled materials by 2025.
It unveiled a specially built version of its XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid SUV that looks identical to the existing model but has had several of its plastic components replaced with recycled materials.
The interior is made from renewable fibres and plastics from discarded fishing nets and maritime ropes while the carpet contains fibres made from plastic bottles and a recycled cotton mix from clothing manufacturers’ offcuts.
It is also calling on suppliers in the automotive industry to work more closely with car manufacturers to develop next-generation components that are "as sustainable as possible”.
Martina Buchhauser, Senior Vice President of Global Procurement at Volvo Cars said: “We already work with some great, forward-thinking suppliers when it comes to sustainability. However, we do need increased availability of recycled plastics if we are to make our ambition a reality. That is why we call on even more suppliers and new partners to join us in investing in recycled plastics and to help us realise our ambition.”
The news follows the manufacturer's announcement to ensure all its new cars will be electric or hybrid from 2019.