Mazda's 100% Plant-based Biofabric

Mazda Motor Company recently announced that, in partnership with Teijin Fibers Limited, it has developed the first biofabric to be made completely from plant derived fibers (biomass). The new fabric contains no oil-based materials and meets the tough durability requirements of automobile interior materials.

Produced under the "Mazda Biotechmaterial" brand name, the company says it will manufacture this fabric with continued development of non-food based plant material as the major feedstock. Current production is made from 100% polylactic acid, a type of plastic created by combining lactic acid molecules that result from the fermentation of plant sugars.

Although the fabric will only be used for seat covers and door trim in the all-new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid that will be at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007 in October, this certainly is a sign of good things to come. Way to go, Mazda!