It may seem an unlikely union, because when driving alcohol is identified as a hazard. But the US automaker wants to use fiber agave tequila for their own production is distilled. What exactly?
Tequila and car, a bad combination in the streets.
But that’s just what two companies in the industry looking to mix for manufacture bioplastic , a material produced from reusable and biodegradable natural substances.
the American auto Ford is testing bioplastic from fibers of agave, the plant from which tequila is distilled.
Thanks to the durability of these natural fibers, engineers are testing them to create harnesses , plastic parts of the doors as the lower compartments, mats trucks, foams and insulation , tells the BBC John Cangany, a spokesman for Ford.
“Our experiments have shown that bioplastics from agave cover all performance requirements and specifications of durability, “explains Cangany.
in the laboratories of Ford looking to leverage the agave fiber to transform it into “plastic” natural and biodegradable origin. Photo: Ford An average car has 180 kilos of plastic , so the company analyzes in which components can be replaced with plastic, derived from the cleaner production petrochemical, bioplastic agave.
Since this fiber is lighter than plastic, help reduce vehicle weight , which translates into a savings fuel for the driver, according to Debbie Mielewski, head of the Department of Research Sustainability Ford.
in addition, could decrease dependence on petrochemical materials produced from fossil fuels, as is the case of plastic.
“Depending on the feasibility of the project”, the tequila Jose Cuervo would provide the bagasse of agave from which you get this natural fiber, explained to BBC World Cristobal Mariscal, spokesman for the Mexican company Jose Cuervo.
for Ford have been able to manufacture automotive components bioplastic, which meets durability standards. Photo: Ford The agave, also called maguey, has been used in Mexico since the time of the Indians to make drinks such as tequila or mezcal cultures, but it has also had other applications <. / p>
the fiber you want to use Ford has been used in traditional methods such as building materials and fabrics , while its aloe vera is part of home remedies .
An agave plant grows in seven years. The water in heart or pineapple tequila and the excess is distilled, with sheets ( up to three meters high), fibers
are obtained.
hearts or cones of agave are the basis of tequila after about seven years of plant growth. Until now the rest is used as compost or to create handicrafts in Jose Cuervo. Photo: Ford
Jose Cuervo, so far most of bagasse has been used used as credit of the same tequileros fields , explains Mariscal.
“they have done tests to make paper, is doing a test to see if the bagasse industrial level can be used to produce” and also bricks bagasse that serve as fuel, he says spokesman.
the surplus that is discarded is seeking to leverage both companies by Ford.
Each year the planet has 5,000 million tons of waste from agriculture , according to statistics from the United Nations Program for the Environment.
Both Ford and Jose Cuervo not yet have a precise estimate of the volume of agave fiber which can be used, because the idea is still in the testing period.
“so far we have made initial assessments with agave fibers, proving its durability and aesthetics for potential parties [car ], “says the spokesman.
The agave or maguey has been used for centuries in Mexico, although it is a plant that grows from southern US to northern South America. Photo: Getty Images But the long-term goal is that the initiative can contribute to re surplus .
“This collaboration brings together two great companies to develop innovative and consciousness of Earth materials.” He said meanwhile Sonia Espinola, of the tequila house Jose Cuervo, which was founded in 1795.
So far, the automotive industry has employee natural fibers, which are inexpensive and reusable , to produce various components of vehicles.
Ford says it uses soy foam, castor oil, wheat straw fiber, kenaf and coconut, cellulose , wood and rice husks to replace various petrochemical materials.
So, in the future, mix of tequila and the car could be a sustainable cocktail.
the rugged agave fiber has been used for construction, woven garments and creating crafts. Photo: Ford 
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