# Veggie-Based Car Parts Ford Uses Soy Oil Foam and Plastics in Auto Construction By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-07-12 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soy-oil-foam References: [greenbiz](http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2010/06/29/ford-expands-bio-based-foam-use-eye-compostables) & [hybridcars](http://www.hybridcars.com/environment/ford-aims-petroleum-free-compostable-cars-28147.html) Using soy oil to replace 25 percent of the [petroleum oil](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pirelli-p-zero) used in the foam for car seats and headliners, [Ford](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-bronco-sport) has been pioneering eco-materials research. The soy oil foam rubber is more stretchable and less polluting than its petroleum-based cousin. Ford’s biomaterial researchers have also developed a soy oil-based rubber that can be used to make deflector shields and baffles, cupholders and floormats. The patent-pending rubber will join soy oil foam as a standard Ford eco-construction component. Ford has even more soy innovations in the works. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Soy-based Materials:** The use of soy oil in car construction as an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based materials. - **Biomaterial Innovation:** Developing new materials using natural resources like soy oil for a more sustainable automotive industry. - **Eco-conscious Manufacturing:** Exploring innovative ways to incorporate environmentally-friendly materials in car production processes. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Automotive:** Opportunities for automakers to adopt soy-based materials in their manufacturing processes for more sustainable vehicles. - **Bio-based Materials:** The bio-based materials industry could benefit from the use of soy oil in the creation of eco-friendly products. - **Sustainable Manufacturing:** The trend towards using eco-friendly materials like soy oil presents opportunities for companies in the sustainable manufacturing sector. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ocean Plastic-Infused SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-bronco-sport.md) - [Vegan Vehicle Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bmw-and-mini.md) - [Renewable Automotive Components](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supreme-group.md) - [Ethical Vehicle Interior Finishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/renault-interiors.md) - [Food-Based Toy Block Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-6.md) - [Discarded Wood Construction Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woodoo.md) - [Plant-Based Footwear Outsoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-rubber-outsoles.md) - [PETA-Approved Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-leather-alternative.md) - [Sustainable Luxury Vehicle Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/odyssean-edition.md)