Automotive floor mat made from PLA fiber

The remodeled third-generation of Prius vehicle from the Japanese automaker Toyota Tsusho Corporation includes a special floor mat made from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fiber i.e. an Ingeo™ material produced by the American bio-based plastic specialist NatureWorks. Known as the world’s most eco-conscious car, Toyota Prius features world leading fuel consumption (38km/L), a solar powered ventilation system, and environmentally friendly plant-derived plastics for seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. Now, the new Prius adds to these bio based materials by offering optional floor mats (deluxe type) using NatureWorks’ advanced Ingeo fiber system. As a result Ingeo fiber allows to reduce the fossil fuel use by 65% and cuts by 90% the CO₂ emission when compared to the petrochemical based polyamide (PA) used in conventional floor mats.