Recycled materials add charm to Ford Escape, the eco-friendly SUV

LOS ANGELES (Scrap Monster): The all new Ford Escape SUV is being featured as a true ‘green’ vehicle that combines fuel economy with use of recyclable materials for seating and carpets.

The new vehicle is set to make its debut at Los Angeles Motor Show on November 16. The Ford Motor Company said that seat fabric in Escape XLT and Escape Hybrid is made from 100% post-industrial materials- polyester fibers that would have ended up in landfills otherwise.

“ Furthermore, the cushions use a bio-based polyurethane foam derived from the oils of various plant seeds, such as soybeans. More than simply "green," the durable, comfortable and stylish nature of the material also makes it a perfect fit for the Escape.” The Escape Hybrid was the first vehicle to combine SUV capability with the outstanding fuel economy and low environmental impact of a full hybrid vehicle. It has the ability to travel at speeds up to 44 miles per hour in full electric mode and uses no fuel when idling, such as when you’re stopped at a traffic light. The Escape Hybrid delivers an impressive 34 city mpg* when both the gas engine and electric motor are powering the vehicle. In addition, it features comfortable seating for five and a versatile cargo area, Ford Motor Company said.

It’s a good use of recycled product and keeps it out of landfills,” said Laura Sinclair, a materials engineer for Ford and mother of two young boys told PaddockTalk.com in an interview.

All materials – green or not – have to pass extensive durability tests. Sinclair and her team look for “chalking” during these tests – the fibers degrade and mash themselves in to form a white residue as they break apart. Chalking, or dusting, is the precursor to a hole forming in the carpet.

“The discoloration is one of the first signs of wear, and of course something the customer will see right away,” Sinclair said. The testing is done on a device called a Taber 5150, which looks similar to a record player. A carpet sample about the size of a DVD is placed in the middle and spins while two weights rub the sample to simulate accelerated wear.