Magna International debuts fully recyclable car seats

CANADIAN automotive parts manufacturer Magna International has announced an industry-first in the form of a 100 per cent recyclable foam and trim product.

Dubbed EcoSphere, the product family is said to eliminate the need for the disposal of seating foam pads and trim covers to landfill by utilising mono-material polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with the company’s “innovative 100 per cent Melt Recyclable Foam and Trim System”.

The product ‘family’ is comprised of sustainable trim foam, materials, padding and structures that is said to leverage the firm’s “expertise in the integration of foam chemistry, trim manufacturing, craftsmanship and tooling to develop a seamless and affordable solution”.

Magna International chief engineer of seating innovation, Carrie Young, says that while the EcoSphere product is more environmentally friendly, the development of the product ensures it looks and feels consistent with that of automotive foams currently in use, while at the same time remaining consistent with industry standards.

“As a top priority for our stakeholders, we recognise the need for innovative solutions that minimise environmental impact,” she said.

“This unique product family enables our seating materials to be repurposed and reused in the creation of new polyester products, contributing to a circular economy approach.”

EcoSphere foam is the latest in a line of environmentally focused products from Magna International.

Partnering with TWE, the firm has also produced a spacer fabric that is comprised of 100 per cent recyclable material, while delivering comparable levels of comfort, durability, and breathability to traditional products.

Further, Magna has developed FreeForm back panels for seats that contain up to 50 per cent proprietary polyols derived from recycled polyethylene terephthalate while the seating surface contains up to 20 per cent renewable materials from bio-feedstock.

PET and bio-based face goods manufactured by Magna are available in a range of fabric, simulated suede, and polyurethane (artificial) leather finishes.

The company has also made significant strides in the use of recycled metals in the construction of its lightweight seat frames and mechanisms. Magna International’s ‘Smarter’ front seat frames are leveraging some of the latest developments in lightweight, recycled metal technology.

The company says this has allowed it to provide not only a more environmentally friendly option, but a seat design that is said to be as safe, comfortable, and durable as traditional alternatives, while also being slimmer in construction, offering obvious packaging benefits to vehicle manufacturers.

“Our technology offers automakers a game-changing opportunity to enhance sustainability without compromising on comfort, quality, or performance,” concluded Ms Young.