BMW recently introduced its new BMW i3 electric car, constructed from the next-generation materials. The car is made of carbon fibre and reinforced plastics on a light aluminium chassis to reduce weight. The source material of the electric car’s key is also sustainable and is based on a biopolymer obtained from castor oil pressed from castor seeds.
Some of the car’s sustainability features:
1. Dashboard wood trim crafted from responsibly-forested eucalyptus.
- Instrument panel surround and door trim use fibers from Kenaf plant
- Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof panel is made partially with recycled CFRP from manufacturing process of other component
- 25% of plastic used in interior comprised of recycled materials.
2. CFRP components are sustainably produced in Moses Lake, WA, USA, where the factory uses hydroelectric power.
3. Olive-leaf extract is used to tan interior leather surfaces.
Get to know more about related derivatives:
- 2 Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12 HSA)
- Dehydrated Castor Oil (DCO)
- Ricinoleic Acid
- Pale Pressed Grade
- BP Grade Castor Oil
Some interesting links