Ford and Heinz Prove Tomatoes and Cars Have More in Common Than We Thought

BRIGHTON, Mich - Oddly enough, Ford and Heinz Prove that Tomatoes and Cars Have More in Common Than We Thought. Researchers at Ford Motor Company and H.J. Heinz Company are teaming up to examine the use of tomato fibers as a more sustainable bio-plastic material for automobiles. Roughly two years ago, Ford started collaborating with Heinz, The Coca-Cola Company, Nike Inc. and Procter & Gamble in hopes to develop a 100 percent plant-based plastic that could be utilized for just about anything from packaging to fabric. Ford was looking to step away from petroleum-based packaging and create a lower environmental impact with a sustainable bio-plastic.

Heinz Ketchup, which uses more than two million tons of tomatoes annually to produce its best-selling product, turned to Ford as they started to search for an innovative method for recycling and repurposing peels, stems and seeds. Currently, Ford researchers are testing dried tomato skins as potential vehicle wiring brackets and storage bins. Now as the companies begin to join forces in the initial stages of research, they are extremely excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for the advancement of sustainable 100 percent plant-based plastics. 

Ford is committed to reduce, reuse and recycle in efforts to lessen the company's environmental footprint while continuing the development of fuel-efficient vehicle technology all over the world. You can do your part in reducing your carbon footprint by visiting the fuel-efficient vehicles at Brighton Ford! Stop by the dealership for a test-drive today!

Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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