The 2011 Ford Explorer is going green, really green, with 85 percent recyclable material including: 40 percent soy polyurethane foam in its seat cushions and seatbacks, 25 percent recycled fiber in its seat upholstery, bolster and carpeting, and recycled steel left over from F-150 production in its noise-dampening fender baffles.
By using recycled fiber instead of virgin fiber in the Explorer’s seating materials, Ford estimates that it reduces energy consumption by 20 percent, eliminates waste by 17 percent, and cuts CO2 emissions by 14 percent.
“Ford has made tremendous strides, not only in improving fuel economy in the new Explorer, but also in using more environmentally friendly materials,” said Jim Holland, chief nameplate engineer. “By offering better fuel efficiency in an overall greener package, we’re offering our SUV customers an appealing and sustainable product.”
The Explorer is the latest Ford vehicle to feature 40 percent soy polyurethane foam in seat cushions and seatbacks. The automaker still plans to use the bio-based material in nearly 100 percent of its North American vehicle lineup by the end of the year.
The company’s plan to reduce its use of virgin steel by an estimated 119 tons for one year of production will reduce CO2 emissions by about 119 tons, Ford said in a press release.
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