Ford targets 25% recycled content in seat fabric across lineup

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Ford targets 25% recycled content in seat fabric across lineup

Greentech Lead America: Ford fusion hybrid customers can
donate to the charity of their choice through the REPREVE Gives Back program.
Ford is targeting at least 25 percent recycled content in seat fabric across
lineup.

Unifi’s REPREVE brand of recycled fibers are used in the
all-new 2013 Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid and 2012 Ford Focus
Electric.

Through Unifi’s REPREVE Gives Back program, a portion of
REPREVE-based sales are donated to environmental nonprofit organizations,
including Keep America Beautiful, American Rivers, Rocky Mountain Institute and
Conservation Alliance.

Customers who buy the new 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Fusion
Energi plug-in hybrid or Focus Electric can automatically give back to
eco-charities while helping save fuel and landfill-destined plastic water
bottles.

The charitable program is offered by Unifi, supplier of
REPREVE-branded recycled fiber being used in the seat fabric of the new Fusion
hybrids and 2012 Focus Electric.

“REPREVE Gives Back is a natural fit for Fusion
hybrid customers who already are contributing to a better world by saving fuel
while driving and keeping water bottles from landfills,” said Carol
Kordich, Ford’s lead designer of sustainable materials.

Through the REPREVE Gives Back program, Ford customers
and supporters can help determine how the funds will be distributed among the
four nonprofits.

“We are excited to continue to work with Ford on
integrating the REPREVE product into new vehicles, like the Fusion. It is
important to align with companies that share the same vision and strategy
around recycling. A core part of the REPREVE brand is generating awareness
around the importance of recycling, helping to increase the U.S. recycling
rates and giving back through our REPREVE Gives Back program,” said Roger
Berrier, president and COO of Unifi.

Unifi and Ford will set up plastic bottle collection
points within Ford facilities in Michigan and California. More than 2 million
plastic bottles will be recycled into REPREVE for fabrics in the Fusion and
Focus Electric in their first model years.

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