In the early 1900’s, Henry Ford used soybeans to manufacture parts of his automobiles. He used bioplastics for items such as steering wheels, interior trims, and dashboards. On August 13, 1942, Henry Ford unveiled the first bioplastic car.

 

In recent decades, Ford has been developing biomaterials and focusing on soy-based urethane foams, natural-fiber reinforced composites, and polymer resins made from plant sources. The 2007 Ford Mustang was the first vehicle to use soy-based Polyurethane (PUR) foam in seat cushions and backs, and today, soy-based foam is used in nearly every North American Ford vehicle. In 2010 the company was first to introduce a wheat-straw-filled PP, which was used for an injection molded storage bin and inner lid in the interior of the 2010 Flex. Now, Ford is working on the performance and durability issues of neat PLA with nucleating agents, impact modifiers, and moisture inhibitors. Ford is also working on the processability and performance of renewably sourced nylons and exploring the emerging arena of traditional polymers (PP, PE, PET, PBT) made from renewable resources. [citation T4.1 T4.2 T4.3 T4.4]