Tokyo-based Teijin Ltd.'s Eco Circle Plantfiber, whose content includes more than 30-percent biobased polymer derived from sugar cane, has been selected by Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Japan, for use in seat, door trim, headrest and center armrest fabrics in the 100-percent electric Nissan Leaf automobile. The Leaf is the first mass-produced vehicle to use Eco Circle Plantfiber for interior applications.

Teijin codeveloped the fabrics with automotive seat maker Suminoe Teijin Techno Co. Ltd., Japan, and Nissan.

November/December 2012