Bio-Materials and Bio-Chemicals in the Auto Industry: Examples From the Plant Floor
ID: 3667

Abstract: Commitment to renewable content, innovation and foresight are keeping the North American auto-parts suppliers lean and “green”. This panel will seek to present three case studies of early-adopters and industry champions who are advancing the use of renewable materials and biochemicals in the auto-sector both domestically and internationally.

To meet the market demands for lightweight and “green”, Magna Decoma is developing a bio-polyurethane formulation for use in interior automotive applications. The target technology will also incorporate recycled paper and natural fiber in the structure to displace part, or all, of the synthetic glass fibers. Magna will discuss its strengths, experience and previous validation trials with bio materials including bio-polyols. Through various projects Magna has demonstrated substantial levels of substitution of bio-based polyols in flexible and rigid products - up to 80% in some cases. Magna also has a history in natural fiber technology and will further explore this option as a cheaper, reliable viable alternative to synthetic glass fibers.

In response to signals from the OEMs – in addition to newly discovered product enhancement – The Woodbridge Group is commercializing new bio-based options for automotive interior applications. The new product formulation incorporates the Woodbridge patented (joint with Cargill) BioFoamTM with natural fibres using a proprietary technique that significantly improves the acoustical properties of the target system (as a result of the natural fibre inclusion). Woodbridge has successfully validated the use of natural earth-based fibres as replacement to fiberglass and has successfully launched its BioFoam in seating systems with Intier, Ford and Fiat.

Alternatives to petro-chemicals are finding their way to the marketplace. Canadian General Tower (CGT) is leading the charge for the PVC market with its commitment to bio-based plasticizers as an alternative to phthalate-based formulations. There are non-phthalate bio-based plasticizers available on the market today. Most – if not all – are used in the food industry. None are being used in the automotive industry. The CGT project seeks to replace crude oil based phthalates with bio-based plasticizers. CGT proposes to evaluate two bio-based plasticizers (castor and soy-based); reformulate current PVC blends; and commercialize a range of cover stock and liner products using bio-based plasticizers.







Moderator: Craig Crawford, Ontario BioAuto Council (Canada)

Presenter 1: Natural Fibre and Bio-Polyol in Automotive Headliner Systems
Hamdy Khalil, Woodbridge Foam Corporation, (Canada)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 2: Bio-Plasticizers in PVC Formulations for the Auto-Industry 
Patrick Diebel, Canadian General Tower, (Canada)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 3: Rigid Application of Bio-Polyols in Automotive Load Floors 
Brad Armstrong, Magna International, (Canada)  [Confirmed]

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Panel Organizer:
Vicki Leith, Ontario BioAuto Council, (Canada)

Why should your submission should be selected for this year’s program?
This panel will present three auto-parts manufacturers which are engaged in biomaterial adoption and advancement in North America and globally. Company credentials include the largest producer of PU foam for the automotive sector; one of the top 5 in the world for PVC production (and resultant use of plasticizers); third largest auto-parts supplier in the world. It is our believe that early adopters -- and industry champions -- such as these three companies will lead the evolution of biomaterials in one of North America's largest industries. The panelist will present on three unique projects that each involve bio-based materials (polyols, natural-fibre composites, ESO, others). Recent announcement from one of the OEM's has mandated "bio" content in one of the platforms. This sends a profound signal to suppliers and industry at large that the transition into a bio-based economy is well underway.