Mitsubishi is planning the next phase of 'green' car production - by replacing some plastics and hardwoods in its car interiors with a new compound made from bamboo fibre.
The Japanese manufacturer will use a new material which is based on a plant-based resin, polybutylene succinate (PBS), and bamboo fibre, in a new concept minicar to be launched next year. It will be used in place of petroleum-based resins and wood hardboards, the production of which adds CO2 to the atmosphere.
Mitsubishi estimates that the production of its new material brings a 50 per cent cut in lifecycle CO2 emissions over the most widely-used plastic. In addition, bamboo grows to full height in a few years, compared to the decades of growth involved in regular timber production.
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