Mini plans to make first ever car with a fully recyclable interior
As more car companies consider the sustainability of their models, Mini has announced that future models will come with a completely recyclable interior.
Mini has announced plans to fit its cars with fully recyclable interiors from their next generation of models in a bid to make car production more sustainable.
While many motorists have previously paid thousands more for high-quality leather seats in their next car, almost all manufacturers are looking for more responsible ways to make the interiors of their vehicle more attractive.
Speaking to the motoring publication Auto Express, Kerstin Schmeding, Head of Colour and Trim at Mini, highlighted that the company has spent a considerable amount of time focusing on creating new materials.
She explained: "Focusing on a few elements gave [Mini] freedom to really focus on the detail and the quality.
"From a material standpoint, it's very special. The dashboard has some completely new technology; by cleaning up the surface, it gives the dashboard a really nice finish."
The announcement comes ahead of the launch of the Mini Aceman, the first model from the company to use an unusual interior material called 2D Knitted Fabric.
Made from around 90 percent recycled polyester, the material is said to use 98 percent less water compared to cotton and produces less carbon dioxide than processing polyester.
While the material is yet to be used on the seats of the compact electric crossover, due to launch in November 2024, it will cover the dashboard and door cards.
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Whilst the idea of entirely recycling a vehicle dashboard is new, some car brands are already upcycling their models for future buyers.
Renault currently operate a 'Refactory' in Flins, France, which takes in used examples of their cars to be disassembled and turned into factory-fresh vehicles.
Even though many of the components are replaced with new alternatives, Renault claim that upcycling their vehicles helps to give them a longer life on the roads whilst cutting down on emissions.
