JLR uses recycled materials for moldings and floor mats automotive news

The Econyl polymer made from recycled material

Tata Motors’ Jaguar Land Rover said it is working with Econyl nylon to create high quality interiors from marine and landfill litter.

The new Jaguar and Land Rover models will feature floor mats and panels made from Econyl fibers made from recycled industrial plastic, fabric scraps from clothing manufacturers, fishing nets from agriculture and abandoned in the ocean – known as “ghost nets”.

“This commitment to creating sustainable luxury interiors from responsible and recycled materials is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero mission. Innovations help make the environment safer and cleaner and offer customers a world-class, sustainable option,” said the automaker.

Reclaimed Econyl nylon from Aquafil, a global leader in the synthetic fibers industry, has been used by high-end fashion, sports and luxury watch brands to make handbags, backpacks, swimwear and watch straps.

The nylon waste is recovered from around the world by Aquafil. In a single year, the company recycles 40,000 tons of waste. The recycling process is said to reduce the impact of nylon on global warming by 90% compared to material made from oil. For every 10,000 tons of Econyl raw material, 70,000 barrels of crude oil are saved and 65,100 tons of CO2 emission equivalents are avoided, it is said.

In treatment centers, the waste is analyzed, treated and prepared for delivery to a chemical plant, where it is crushed to its original raw material using a chemical treatment process known as depolymerization. The raw nylon material is then converted into the yarn known as Econyl.

Throughout the process, other by-products such as non-nylon, metallic materials, or copper sulfate that are used to prevent seaweed growth on fishing nets are removed and sent to alternative industries for recycling.

The resulting regenerated nylon polymer has the same chemical and performance characteristics as fossil raw material, so it can be made into a fiber for carpets and textiles.

This yarn can then be used to make floor mats with the aim of using more environmentally conscious and sustainable materials while still offering customers a high quality and durable product.