Škoda Auto has introduced new seat covers for its pure electric Enyaq iV SUV made from recycled plastic bottles.
The fabric comes from recycled polyester sourced from disposable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, which is then mixed with wool.
Škoda is partnering with suppliers and the scientific community to produce sustainable, recyclable, and durable materials for use in series production.
The manufacturer Aunde supplies Skoda with its seat covers by crushing, melting, and processing the bottles into granulate to make a durable yarn.
It then places this on the loom and 6,000 such threads are turned into a resistant fabric, according to the specifications of Skoda’s interior designers.
Following this, the material is washed and dried to give it the required stability.
The Czech manufacturer has not said how many PET bottles are used in one car.
“The consistent use of sustainably produced materials in our current vehicles is changing the requirements in the purchasing division and therefore also the demands on our suppliers,” said Markéta Truhelková, coordinator of purchasing interior at Škoda.
“That’s why – true to our Simply Clever ethos – we are working together to develop innovative sustainable materials that stand up to everyday use, are easy to work with and create attractive design accents.”