Ford uses Repreve recycled fiber in its F-150

Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Michigan, has begun incorporating Repreve fibers, which is made from recycled plastics, into its new F-150 pickup trucks. Repreve plastics are made by Unifi, Greensboro, North Carolina.

The inclusion of fabric made from Repreve fibers in the F-150 pickup trucks may be new, but Ford says it has worked with Unifi since 2012 to include Repreve’s recycled plastic product in its vehicles. By including Repreve fiber in its best-selling F-150, Ford says it will divert more than 5 million plastic bottles from landfills.

Ford says it is the only automaker to use Repreve , which is made from 100-percent-recycled materials, including plastic bottles. The company is currently using the material in five vehicles. Ford says this represents its commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle as part of its global sustainability strategy to lessen its environmental footprint.

“By using Repreve in the all-new Ford F-150, we are reconfirming our commitment to using renewable and recyclable materials in our vehicles,” says Carol Kordich, Ford’s lead designer, global sustainability materials strategy development. “We are always looking for ways to incorporate more innovative and sustainable materials into our vehicles.”