ford makes car parts from olive tree waste and biocomposites to reduce plastic use

Olive tree waste and biocomposites for ford’s car parts

Ford is advancing its efforts to produce car parts from recycled and discarded olive tree waste, including branches, twigs, and leaves, by blending them with biocomposites to reduce plastic usage in manufacturing and avoid burning refuse. This initiative is inspired by the trial conducted as part of the COMPOlive project, which aims to bring about environmental change in olive production through recycling and support for the circular economy.

For Ford’s trial of producing car parts from discarded sources, the materials from olive tree waste were sourced from the olive groves in Andalusia, Spain, an area believed to have the highest production of olive oil in the world, according to the local government of the region. Subsequently, Ford tested the usability and durability of the car parts generated from olive tree waste at their headquarters.

Fibers and recycled plastic for car-part prototypes

Engineers at Ford’s European headquarters in Cologne, Germany, utilized simulation technology to assess the usability of olive trees in terms of durability, strength, and moldability. Once confirmed, they proceeded with the prototypes of footrests, consisting of 40 percent fibers and 60 percent recycled polypropylene plastic.

These prototypes were placed inside a machine that transformed them into a substance. The liquified form was heated, and using an injector, it was molded into the chosen shape of the car parts. Ford states that using olive tree waste to create car parts can help reduce the plastic used in such components and contribute to cleaner air in the local area by avoiding burning as a means of waste disposal. 

Engineers produced prototype footrests and parts of the boot area using olive tree waste. Ford mentions that during the testing phase, the engineers were able to manufacture car parts that were both robust and durable. As of publishing the story, Ford is now exploring the mass production of car parts made from discarded olive tree waste for use in electric vehicles.

project info:

name: COMPOlive Project

company: Ford