The Safe Driver

Innovations in Sustainable Car Manufacturing

Consumers are as keen as they were last year to back sustainable companies, as found in recent research by Deloitte, with around 30% of people choosing brands that have environmentally sustainable practices and values, 30% choosing ethical brands, and 28% refusing to support brands that raise sustainability concerns. The car manufacturing industry has been rising to the eco-friendly challenge for many years, with major strides made in the use of recycled materials and fabrics, the strong focus on the development of faster, more efficient, eco-friendlier electric vehicles, and increased fuel efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions. Below find just a few newer innovations in green car manufacture.

In Search of Green Steel

The steel industry is a big emitter of CO2 and the vehicle manufacturing industry relies heavily on this material. European carmakers and steelmakers have commenced the race to develop and purchase lower-carbon steel since the European Union Green Deal stipulates that all manufacturers must produce net-zero emissions by 2050. Various manufacturers are already making big strides in the right direction. Mercedes-Benz, for instance, has entered into a contractual relationship with Swedish steel making company SSAB, which will produce low-carbon steel as of 2021. General Motors has pledged to become carbon-neutral by 2040, Volvo is purchasing its steel from Hybrit (which replaces coking coals with fossil-free electricity and hydrogen), and BMW’s parenting company is investing in an independent low-carbon steel manufacturing startup.

Eco-Friendly Titanium

As stated by https://tmstitanium.com, titanium has a host of uses in car manufacturing, as it can be used to make everything from tubing right through to forgings, ingot, bars, sheets, plates, fasteners, and more. In vehicles, its use is mainly in combustion engine components such as retainers, connecting rods, valve springs, valves, and more. Eco-friendly titanium uses the latest technology in plasma and vacuum furnaces, which consume less energy than traditional melting methods. Titanium is 100% recyclable but up until now, its main drawback was the energy required to refine it. Thanks to this new technology, the emission of around 100,000 tons of CO2 can be prevented per year. This material can be used to make vehicles lighter and more environmentally friendly (since lighter weights equate to lower fuel consumption and less greenhouse gas emissions).

Innovative Interiors

The meat industry and its derived industries are responsible for around 14.5% of the total human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. As the world slowly shifts to more plant-based nutritional regimens, industries will also be seeking alternatives to materials like leather. Automotive manufacturers have shown great vision in this respect, with luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover using stunning, true-to-life leather alternatives that are 100% free of animal products and byproducts. Mercedes-Benz, for instance, has been using Artico – a synthetic material with the soft feel and elegant look of leather – since 2003. The brand also fits its interiors with Dinamica – a premium microfiber suede made from plastic bottles, flags, and old garments.

Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability from all brands – including those specializing in vehicle manufacture. Many brands have been leading the way since the turn of the century – including Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Range Rover. From green steel to eco titanium and vegan leather, there are a myriad of ways in which brands can lower their emission levels and connect with consumers’ greener mindset.