Last Chance Rate for SB'24 San Diego Expires Sept 22nd!

Ford, P&G Looking to Gecko for Adhesive Innovations

Researchers at Ford Motor Company are looking to biomimicry in hopes of improving adhesives and increasing the recyclability of auto parts.Improving the recyclability of auto parts by replacing (or otherwise reducing or eliminating) the glue it uses to adhere foams to plastics and metals could give Ford’s sustainability performance a boost. The adhesives it currently uses make disassembling the parts for recycling nearly impossible. Ford is sharing its research findings in a partnership with Procter & Gamble (P&G) as their teams investigate potential biomimetic business solutions.

Researchers at Ford Motor Company are looking to biomimicry in hopes of improving adhesives and increasing the recyclability of auto parts.

Improving the recyclability of auto parts by replacing (or otherwise reducing or eliminating) the glue it uses to adhere foams to plastics and metals could give Ford’s sustainability performance a boost. The adhesives it currently uses make disassembling the parts for recycling nearly impossible. Ford is sharing its research findings in a partnership with Procter & Gamble (P&G) as their teams investigate potential biomimetic business solutions.

“Solving this problem could provide cost savings and certainly an environmental savings,” said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader for plastics and sustainability research. “It means we could increase the recycling of more foam and plastics, and further reduce our environmental footprint.”

Biomimicry is the concept of solutions inspired by nature. The Biomimicry Institute has worked to empower people to create sustainable products and services using biomimicry since 2006. It hosts design challenges, including new corporate-employee challenges.

The 50 Liter Home: Lessons from a multi-industry global collaboration

Join us as leaders from Electrolux and Procter & Gamble share insights and progress to date on ‘The 50 Liter Home’ — a partnership aimed at reducing water consumption in the home, while also generating awareness that leads to better lifestyle choices for sustainable water use — Wednesday, Oct. 16, at SB'24 San Diego.

“Ford and P&G are the first companies to take part in these new corporate-employee challenges,” explained Gretchen Hooker, project manager for design challenges at The Biomimicry Institute.

“We are excited for the opportunity to participate, together with Ford — with whom we have a history of collaboration — in The Biomimicry Institute workshop,” said Lee Ellen Drechsler, director for corporate connect and development at P&G. “We have an interest within Procter & Gamble for using biomimicry as a way to broaden our approach to solving tough research challenges.”

Ford is particularly interested in geckos because of their sticky toe pads. The pads allow the lizards to stick to most surfaces without liquids or surface tension and without leaving a residue when it releases itself. Even more impressive, a gecko weighing 2.5 ounces is capable of supporting 293 pounds.

“As we look to further our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint, taking a holistic, biomimetic approach makes sense because nature has efficiencies in design and uses minimal resources,” said Carol Kordich, global sustainable fabric strategies and development at Ford. “Nature is the ultimate guide.”

Researchers said the gecko may also inspire fabric technologies that could transform the cabin of Ford vehicles. The company has previously seen successes in yarn production for seating materials and headliners using Coke’s PlantBottle material. Ford is also researching sustainable alternatives for rubber.

Upcoming Events



Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Perplexing Paradoxes of Gen Z: Bridging the Gap Between Sustainable Intentions and Actions
Webinar
Register

Related Stories

BMW, Volkswagen Eyeing Plant-Based Future for Car Interiors MATERIALS & PACKAGING
BMW, Volkswagen Eyeing Plant-Based Future for Car Interiors
How Does Consumer Behavior Challenge the Circular Economy? MATERIALS & PACKAGING
How Does Consumer Behavior Challenge the Circular Economy?
erthos: Giving the Plastics Industry an AI-Driven, Biobased Upgrade MATERIALS & PACKAGING
erthos: Giving the Plastics Industry an AI-Driven, Biobased Upgrade
Nissan’s ‘Cool Paint’ Will Cut Car-Interior Heat, Energy Use INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
Nissan’s ‘Cool Paint’ Will Cut Car-Interior Heat, Energy Use
MIT Team Creates Clean Hydrogen with Seawater, Soda Cans, Caffeine INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
MIT Team Creates Clean Hydrogen with Seawater, Soda Cans, Caffeine
Sustainable Sailing Puts Its Sail-Recycling Process to Sweet, New Use MATERIALS & PACKAGING
Sustainable Sailing Puts Its Sail-Recycling Process to Sweet, New Use