Jaguar Land Rover has revealed it will incorporate a greater percentage of recycled materials in its vehicle interiors. Specifically, the company is working with supplier Aquafil, whose Econyl nylon products are produced from ocean and landfill waste.
The next-generation Jaguar and Land Rover models will feature floor mats and trims made with this material, soured from recycled industrial plastic, fabric offcuts from clothing manufacturers, and fishing nets from the farming industry and those abandoned in the ocean– known as ‘ghost nets’.
The nylon waste is reclaimed by Aquafil from all over the world. In a single year, the company says it recycles up to 40,000 tons of waste, with the recycling process reducing the global warming impact of nylon production by 90% compared with oil-based products. It claims the resulting regenerated nylon polymer has the same chemical and performance characteristics as raw fossil material, allowing it to be processed into a fiber for carpet flooring and textiles.
Adrian Iles, senior engineer of interior systems at Jaguar Land Rover, commented, “Our designers and engineers are committed to developing the next generation of sustainable materials that will feature on future Jaguar and Land Rover models. We place a great deal of focus on the creation of new sustainable materials, using the latest, most innovative techniques and textiles.
“Minimizing waste, re-using materials and reducing carbon emissions sit at the heart of our Destination Zero mission. This pioneering materials research is one of the key ways we’ll achieve this and is an integral part of our design offering to our customers.”
