Johnson launches 'Earth-Friendly' automotive headliner

21 Jan '08

3 min read

Natural materials including hemp, flax and knaf replace the fiberglass that is traditionally used in headliner production. Finally, a soy-based urethane is used to bond materials and create a semi-rigid product.

The Ecobond headliner satisfies customers' design requirements for stiffness, toughness and acoustics. It also is lighter than standard thermoplastic headliners. Using the new Ecobond approach is not expected to add costs to the headliner production process.

By utilizing soy and other abundant and renewable plant-based materials, Johnson Controls is working to fulfill its sustainability goals, with initiatives that benefit its customers, the general public and future generations. Other earth-friendly products from Johnson Controls include EcoCore natural-fiber door panels, as well as soy-based seating pads, which will be featured on numerous 2008 model-year vehicles.

"Given the auto industry's strong focus on green initiatives, we have an excellent opportunity to use sustainable resources, while creating appealing products that meet our customers' needs," Foster said. "Leveraging the momentum of the Johnson Controls seating team, we have extended the use of soy-based materials to other, high-quality interior products."

Johnson Controls is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings.

Johnson Controls

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