Materials for Design

Hemp

It is interesting to observe how different carmakers approach the issue of sustainability. In Germany, for example, BMW focuses on high-tech materials as a response to weight-reduction, while Mercedes might focus on plant fibres in a range of applications for items such as interior panels. In most of these cases, these materials are used in composites and are hidden in surprising applications not visible to consumers. For example, when you step into a Mercedes car you don’t see evidence of natural fibres everywhere; you don’t see hemp or coconut fibres in door panels. It’s still an environment where shiny surfaces or sumptuous leather equal luxury. However, the use of plant-based fibres in composites – such as carrot fibres (see page 82) ...