Electric performance car brand Polestar is using innovative materials to reduce the carbon footprint of its interiors.
Polestar, which is jointly owned by the Volvo Car Group and Geely (Zhejiang Geely Holding) is using materials such as Bcomp’s natural fiber composite to reduce plastic content, cut weight and improve crash safety of interior panels.
Bcomp’s powerRibs and ampliTex technologies could turn natural fibers into lightweight interior panels.
They are up to 50% lighter than traditional interior panels with an 80% reduction in plastic content, making them stronger and lighter than traditional plastics.
A 3D knit material can be used for seating surfaces with a single thread used to produce a three-dimensional individual component.
The base material is 100% recycled yarn from PET bottles, with Polestar saying waste is removed from production as the material is made to size with no off-cuts.
The wine and fishing industries also contribute to Polestar’s sustainability with cork and fishing nets being recycled. Waste material from cork manufacturing can be integrated into PVC interior components. Recycled Nylon 6 from discarded fishing nets can be turned into woven carpets.
Maximilian Missoni, head of design at Polestar, said design and luxury do not need to be sacrificed with the materials.
“If anything, they enable even more premium, cutting-edge, modern and stylish executions which elevate our design-led products. It also presents a positive challenge, giving new meaning to interior design. We are able to derive new aesthetics from new contexts and technologies, allowing society to move on,” Missoni said.
