By Peggy Jo Goodfellow, Arizona Farm Bureau: If you own a new Ford F-150, your new truck has recycled and bio-based materials inside and out.

The history of biobased automobile parts begins early in the development of automobiles themselves. During the 1930s, automobile pioneer Henry Ford began developing soy-based automobile parts. Research in the development of biobased products was short lived. A focus on production of World War II-related materials limited efforts to continue research.

Today Ford and the other automotive manufacturers are demonstrating a commitment to create biobased car parts. Below are eight ways Ford uses recycled and bio-based materials in the manufacturing of Ford trucks.

  1. Recycled Tires and Post-Consumer Recycled Polypropylene

Underbody cover contains recyeled rubber from post-consumer tires and plastics.

  1. Bio-Based Nylon

Castor oil-based nylon is used in the fuel lines.

  1. Soy Foam Seats

Soy-based polyurethane is on the seat backs, head restraints and seat cushions- Ford was the first automaker to use soy-based foam beginning in 2008.

  1. Soy and Tires

Post-consumer recylced tires and soybeans are used in exterior mirrors and seats.

  1. Used Clothing

Recycled cotton and bluejean production scrap are used for sound insulation and padding.

  1. Aluminum

All of the weight-saving aluminum in the truck body is recyclable metal, helping reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

  1. Plastic Bottles

Ford diverts 2.7 million plastic bottles from landfills annually.

  1. Rice

Wiring harness includes 10 percent rice hull content.

Eligible Arizona Farm Bureau members can receive $500 toward the purchase of a new Ford vehicle. Visit www.azfb.org to download a $500 bonus cash certificate.

Editor’s note: For more information on our member benefits including our regional benefits go to Arizona Farm Bureau’s member benefits page online. Or, download the Member Benefits app to your smart phone for easy, everyday access to your benefits.

 Source: Marketing Associates - Ford

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