January 14, 2010 — Toyota has adopted DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer as material for
the ceiling surface skin, sun visor and pillar garnish of its new SAI® model. DuPont™ Sorona®
fibers also were selected as materials for optional Toyota floor mats.
Launched last month, the new SAI® model is an intensively ecological “compact luxury car”
equipped with a large percentage of eco-plastics made from plant-based materials. Renewably sourced
materials comprise approximately 60% of the car’s internal surface area. The new car will be
sold through dealerships in Japan.
“Both DuPont and Toyota provide innovation that results in positive contributions to the
lives of our customers and in an environmentally sustainable manner,” said John Ranieri, vice
president – DuPont BioMaterials Group, part of the company’s Applied BioSciences business.
“We are committed to bringing renewable materials to companies like Toyota, which has a strong
sustainability intention.”
DuPont™ Sorona® polymer is a PTT resin made from a copolymerization of 1,3-propanediol, which
is derived from plant sugar using a DuPont biotechnological fermentation process, and terephthalic
acid. Sorona® helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions, compared to the use of other
petroleum-based materials used for conventional auto interior parts. This material
contributes to measures against global warming and to saving depletable resources.
PTT fibers made from Sorona® meet the strict performance requirements for automotive
use. At the same time, they provide a rich and soft texture. This new application for
Toyota’s SAI® demonstrates how DuPont’s market-driven science is responding to four megatrends, one
of which is decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.
Posted on January 19, 2010
Press Release Courtesy of DuPont
