Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford Motor Co. has selected Repreve® recycled polyester fiber to use in the seat fabric in its new Ford Focus Electric automobile. Manufactured by Greensboro, N.C.-based Unifi Inc., the fiber is made from a blend of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled polyester content including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. According to Unifi, 22 16-oz PET bottles are used in the production of seat fabric for each Focus Electric vehicle.

Ford reports it is the first automotive manufacturer to use Repreve in seat fabric, and currently is evaluating other uses for the fiber across its entire vehicle lineup.

"We are excited to work with Ford for the introduction of Repreve into the automotive industry," said Roger Berrier, president and COO, Unifi. "As Repreve continues to expand into new applications and markets, consumers are becoming more aware of companies like Ford and Unifi working together to make a positive impact on the environment."

November 22, 2011