The International Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE), a US association, presented its SPE Automotive Award in the environment category to Mercedes-Benz in recognition of the use of natural fibres in the spare tire wellcover of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

“We are delighted that the International Society of Plastic Engineers has recognised the A-Class in honouring the great innovative potential of natural fibres in the automotive industry,” said Prof. Herbert Kohler, vice president, Body and Powertrain Research, and chief environmental officer of DaimlerChrysler.
The SPE presents its Automotive Award in recognition of the automotive and supplier industries’ most creative and innovative achievements in the use of synthetic materials. DaimlerChrysler researchers patented the new blend of polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic and embedded fibres in 2002. Manila Cordage, a Philippine company that makes semi-finished products, supplies the fibres. The components for the A-Class are produced by the automotive supplier Rieter in Switzerland. A direct processing procedure for long fibre-reinforced thermoplastics (d-LFT) was refined for the use of natural fibres in the production of the components.
The challenge here was to adapt the required machine precision to natural fibres, whose lengths and fibre strengths are subject to natural fluctuations, and to deliver the special qualities that an exterior component must possess, including resistance to stone chipping, weather conditions and moisture. DaimlerChrysler started using the very tough natural fibres of the abaca plant in place of glass fibres in the spare tire well covers of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class coupe in 2004. This marks the first time that a component containing natural fibers has been used in the exterior of a passenger car. “We expect that economic conditions overall will improve, and that natural fibres will become increasingly important in automotive production,” Prof. Kohler explained.
“We have been researching the use of natural fibres in automotive production for more than 15 years, and we understand the challenges, advantages and potential associated with this environmentally friendly material.
“We’ll continue to promote the use of renewable resources wherever it makes economic and functional sense.”