Ford Motor Company is collaborating with ketchup producer Heinz, to explore the possibility of recycling tomato waste into bioplastic car components.

According to Ford, researchers from the two firms are investigating the use of tomato fibres in developing sustainable, composite materials for use in vehicle manufacturing. Specifically, dried tomato skins could be recycled into wiring brackets in its vehicles or the storage bin for holding coins and other small objects.

Ellen Lee, plastics research technical specialist for Ford commented: “We are exploring whether this food processing byproduct makes sense for an automotive application…Our goal is to develop a strong, lightweight material that meets our vehicle requirements, while at the same time reducing our overall environmental impact.”

At Heinz, researchers were looking for ways to recycle and repurpose peels, stems and seeds from the more than 2 million tons (1.8 million tonnes) of tomatoes the company uses annually to produce its best selling product - Heinz Ketchup. “Although we are in the very early stages of research, and many questions remain, we are excited about the possibilities this could produce for both Heinz and Ford, and the advancement of sustainable 100 per cent plant-based plastics,” said Vidhu Nagpal, associate director, packaging R&D for Heinz.

Ford said that over recent years it has increased its use of recycled non-metal and bio-based materials, such as the fibre-reinforced console components and rice hull-filled electrical cowl brackets introduced in the last year.

The company added that its bio-based portfolio now includes eight materials in production. Other examples are coconut-based composite materials, recycled cotton material for carpeting and seat fabrics, and soy foam seat cushions and head restraints.

Read more about the collaboration.