Sustainability is an important topic in today’s society. The motors industry in particular is evaluating the use of sustainable practices in their industry. We know of the use of electric cars, and we know that most car companies are working towards incorporating electric or hybrid cars into the recent car releases and fleets. But what else is the industry doing to incorporate green methods into their manufacturing practices? Shopless investigates sustainable practices within the automotive industry.
Using Sustainable Materials
Motoring technology is only recently beginning to incorporate sustainable materials into their products. The initial steps towards creating sustainable materials come from the products used in these cars – for example natural tanning agents on the car seat, or more plant-based paint products. However recently some car manufacturers are looking to incorporate recycled materials into their car designs. BMW is one of the car companies conceptualising this idea. With the BMW CEO stating that in the future most cars could be 70-90% recyclable. At the 2021 Munich auto show BMW unveiled a 100% recycled materials concept car. Challenging other car companies to develop similar designs.
Luxury cars are also at the forefront of this technology. An article in the New York Times explained that luxury car brands such as Polestar were incorporating the use of vegan leather, suede materials made out of plastic bottles and other such initiative ideas to adapt to a desire for more sustainably made products.
Alternative Fuels
Electric cars are increasingly becoming the most popular sustainable car. Moving towards petrol-less motors customers can see that their purchase tangibly considers the environment. However, highly fuel efficient cars and cars that use alternative fuels are also considering their impact on the environment. “Alternative fuels include ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), a blend of ULSD and biofuels, or ethanol. However, even some highly fuel efficient vehicles are classified as eco-friendly, since they reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions as well.”
With this in mind companies and manufacturers are focused on creating a car that pumps less emissions into the atmosphere. And thus considering their carbon footprint.
Carbon Neutral Targets
Car companies are also using their PR to keep them accountable. Many companies have announced similar initiatives or steps such as have been taken in various countries. For example Volvo announced a desire to be a carbon neutral company by 2040. And many other companies followed suit with similar goals. This is reflective of the current laws and initiatives that have been taken worldwide. Such as England announcing that all new builds or renovations are required to have electric charging ports for electric vehicles.
More Sustainable Manufacturing Practices
Another challenge has been to evaluate all of the processes that go into the creation of a vehicle. Car companies are evaluating the sustainable impact of each step, in order to create a central focus of sustainable practices. To do this many car companies are collaborating to ensure accountability and to develop the best manufacturing practices. Additionally different technology is being incorporated to create efficiency and safety from design to delivery.
We have looked at different ways car companies are incorporating sustainability into their design and the creation of cars. If you are looking for a new or used car, Shopless has a great range of cars available. Make sure to check out our motors section today.