Johnson launches 'Earth-Friendly' automotive headliner

21 Jan '08

3 min read

Johnson Controls is committed to sustainability and creating "environmentally friendly" automotive products, as reflected in the new Ecobond headliner that is in the final stages of development at the company.

The Ecobond headliner is a lightweight solution comprised of 50 percent biomaterials by mass that fully meets customer requirements for strength, performance and acoustics.

Johnson Controls is showcasing the Ecobond headliner -- and many other innovations at the company's 2008 North American International Auto Show exhibit in room D2-15 of Detroit's Cobo Center.

"With our existing processes and resources, we have created and manufactured an ingenious, earth-friendly headliner from sustainable materials an outstanding product that meets the performance and cost expectations of our customers," said Byron Foster, who leads the North American interiors business of Johnson Controls.

"Additionally, the Ecobond headliner is made from natural fibers instead of glass, making the final product a lightweight, bio-based product, which can help increase fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions, and is easier to recycle at the end of the vehicle's useful life."

The production process for the Ecobond headliner relies on soy-based adhesives, a soy-based urethane core foam, and natural fibers reducing the need for non-renewable resources. The headliner is made via the use of an existing technology that Johnson Controls established for its Polybondprocess. Soy-based polyols are blended with petroleum polyols to create a foam core.

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