Chevrolet, along with the rest of General Motors, is striving to make its vehicles more environmentally responsible in numerous ways, including increasing the recycled and renewable content in our parts.
A few examples of our renewable material choices can be found on our current products. Corvette utilizes balsa wood, a quick-growing, sustainable, and lightweight material, in the floor pan. The Chevy TrailBlazer headliner uses renewable natural fibers in place of fiberglass and has recycled nylon shifter modules. Several of our Chevy models have recycled nylon in their engine fans, shrouds, brackets, and exterior mirror case frames. Recycled polycarbonate is found in several instrument panels. Recycled polypropylene is in some splash shields, and recycled cotton and jeans are used in many dash insulators. Additionally, Chevrolet and GM are actively pursuing soy and renewable foam options for cushioning material.
We have been using recycled and sustainable materials for years as part of everyday business, provided that these materials meet or exceed our performance requirements. That being said, a lot of the technology in the “Bio” arena is just emerging. Once a stable infrastructure is established, we expect the use of sustainable, renewable materials will become much more prevalent.
- Lora Herron
Bio & Recycled Materials Engineer
Design for the Environment
General Motors Corporation
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