New Renault Zoe integrates recycled materials

French manufacturer Renault has announced that it will be using a new fabric for its car seats made of 100 per cent recycled material.

The patented fabric, which will be used in the electric Renault Zoe, is made out of recycled seatbelts, textile straps and plastic bottles. In total, eight square metres of the Zoe’s cabin will be covered by the material, including the dashboard, gear lever surround and door fittings.

The supply and short loop manufacturing of this recycled carded yarn - without chemical or thermal transformation - reduces associated CO2 emissions by more than 60 per cent compared to the previous Zoe fabric from a standard manufacturing process.

Jean-Philippe Hermine, director of Environmental Strategy & Planning for Groupe Renault, said: "Faced with the challenge of the energy transition, industries have an essential role to play in changing their production methods and reducing their environmental impact. With the support of our partners Filatures du Parc and Adient Fabrics, we are demonstrating that it is possible to implement circular and competitive development models focused on resources, while acquiring a valuable competitive advantage at a time when the availability and cost of raw materials are becoming a real strategic issue. This approach contributes to the Group's commitment to reduce the environmental impacts of each vehicle throughout its life cycle and to reduce its global carbon footprint by -25 per cent in 2022 compared to 2010.”