BMW has set out a new sustainability strategy that will harness hemp and sustainable materials in a bid to slash its carbon emissions by more than 40 per cent by 2030.
Member States in the EU are committed to a net domestic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 55 per cent by 2030 compared to 1990 under the Paris Climate Agreement, and the US is aiming to reduce its net emissions by 50 to 52 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. In 2018, the automotive industry’s carbon footprint equaled 9% of total annual global greenhouse gas emissions. Rightly, initiatives to help reach the 2030 targets focus around the industry, including the encouragement of the mass adoption of electric vehicles, the progressive rollout of E10 petrol, which reached the UK this summer, and bans on the sales of diesel cars from 2030.
Consumer expectations of corporations in regards to their reduction of emissions and use of environmentally sustainable materials are increasing, and BMW Group is taking this on board. The company has announced that it is stepping up its fight against climate change with a unique sustainability strategy, which will include massively promoting the use of secondary materials and the principles of the circular economy.
Taking its social and corporate responsibility seriously with the use of environmentally friendly materials, including hemp, BMW Group says it is implementing the measures to help achieve the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
Hemp for the planet
BMW Group has said it believes only a holistic approach to the use of proven and new materials can permanently reduce CO2 emissions, and that it will be focusing its research and development efforts on innovative and environmentally compatible raw materials.
Dr Stefan Floeck, head of development body, exterior, interior, responsible for product line MINI, Compact Class BMW, said: “We are setting new standards for sustainable premium quality – by rethinking materials and focusing more than ever on resource-efficient alternatives and renewable materials with strong dismantling capability.
“We are following a consistent path towards holistically sustainable product development, responsible use of resources and transformation into a circular economy.”
BMW Group has used renewable raw materials in its vehicles for a number of years, which are 30 per cent lighter than plastic alternatives, and have a negative CO2 contribution. The BMW 5 series uses hemp door panels, and the i3 electric model has 25 per cent renewable raw materials and recycled plastics used in the interior, including hemp biocomposites.
The company and its partners have systematically developed the use of fibres such as hemp, kenaf and flax, providing them with natural lattice structures that reduce the amount of material needed whilst allowing the vehicles to maintain their mechanical properties. Hemp is also used as part of the company’s use of biobased plastics in a bid to reduce the percentage of oil-based primary plastics, and the company says it aims to use thermoplastics with an average of 40 per cent recycled material by 2030.
As well as hemp, BMW Group says it will be utilising vegan and resource-efficient leather alternatives which include 100 per cent recycled polyester and cork particles, allowing for 45 per cent reduction in CO2 emission compared to PVC leather, and will also be co-operating with startups to research a sustainable cactus-based material and other plant-based material options.
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