Japanese automaker Mazda has announced that it has, in conjunction with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, developed a bio-based engineering plastic that can be used for the exterior design parts of automotives.

Mazda says the new plastic will help the group to reduce its impact on the environment in a number of ways.

As the plastic is made from plant-derived materials, it will help curb the use of petroleum resources in the plastics production process, reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The material can also be dyed, thereby cutting emissions of volatile organic compounds associated with the painting process.

Mazda says dyed parts made from the bio-based engineering plastic feature a higher-quality finish than can be achieved with traditional painted plastic.

The deep tone and smooth, mirrorlike finish of the surface make the newly developed plastic suitable for exterior vehicle parts with a high design factor.

Mazda has been developing technologies in the biomass field for a number of years.

To date, under the ‘Mazda Biotechmaterial’ name, the company has succeeded in developing the automotive industry’s first high-strength, heat-resistant, plant-derived bioplastic for auto interior parts, and the world’s first biofabric for vehicle seat upholstery made entirely from plant- derived fibre.

However, to be suitable for exterior parts, the plastic is required to have not only a high-quality finish, but also excellent weather, scratch and impact resistance in order to stand up to harsh environmental factors to which it is exposed.

Achieving this combination of characteristics with bioplastics has, in the past, posed a technical challenge, states the manufacturer.

The new bio-based engineering plastic will be used for the first time in interior parts for the new Mazda MX-5, which will be launched in South Africa in the latter part of the year.

It will be used for exterior parts in other production models moving, forward.

“As Mazda continues to proactively develop unique technologies that provide both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance, we are ardent in bringing these unique technologies to the South African market,” says Mazda South Africa MD David Hughes.