Automotive Suppliers Join Efforts and Introduce Sustainable Concept Car at the North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Unique Fabricating Inc., Emery Oleochemicals, FXI Inc., and Line-X are excited to announce advancements in innovative polyurethane products through an initiative that is aimed at raising the bar in environmental sustainability stewardship for the automotive industry. Combining years of manufacturing knowledge, technical expertise, market insights and a drive for innovation, the partnership targets to the goal of reducing foam waste headed for landfills by providing production alternatives through a closed loop processing initiative. 

Making its debut at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, the Concept Car- "CASP" (Concepts for Advanced Sustainability in Polyurethanes) will feature automotive components and materials made from both renewable and recycled polyurethane foam. Representing a non-exclusive partnership formed between Unique Fabricating, Inc., Emery Oleochemicals, FXI Inc., and Line-X; CASP will demonstrate opportunities for the automotive industry to meet its performance and sustainability goals with recycle content polyol solutions that are suited for various automotive foam applications.

This distinctive initiative includes a technology in which recovered foam scrap materials were chemically processed, turned into recycled polyol and subsequently used in the production of polyurethane foams demonstrated in CASP. All polyurethane foams applied in the making of this concept car were produced using Emery Oleochemicals' proprietary polyol technologies offered through the widely recognized EMEROX® Renewable Polyol and INFIGREEN® Recycled Content Polyol product lines. Designed to meet Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications, the EMEROX® Renewable Polyols are made from bio-based resources and deliver on both performance and cost, while the INFIGREEN® Recycled Polyols are made from recycled polyurethane scrap foam.

As the exhibitor hosting CASP, Unique Fabricating, Inc., will showcase its product portfolio in the automotive fabrication of the non-metallic materials including a variety of polyurethane foam parts featured on the concept car. All Unique Fabricating's PU foam offal is shipped to Emery Oleochemicals to be converted into new polyols, enabling a closed loop process to take place which reinforces zero waste to landfills.

FXI Inc. has established a process to utilize Emery Oleochemicals' recycled polyols in its formulations on components that Unique Fabricating has featured on the CASP car. These include parts such as seat topper pads, and various foam seals and gaskets. Additionally, FXI incorporated recycled content polyols on seat upholstery foam laminates. 

In this joint initiative, Line-X developed new coatings that feature recycled content incorporating Emery Oleochemicals' sustainable EMEROX® and INFIGREEN®  bio-polyols.

The Concept Car was styled and built by Advanced Automotive Technologies (AAT) in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

The Concept Car will be displayed in the main concourse of Cobo Hall of Detroit's Cobo Center, from January 12-25.

About the North American International Auto Show

Now in its 27th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most -- up close and in one place. Administered by Executive Director Rod Alberts, the NAIAS is one of the largest media events in North America, and the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.

For further information about NAIAS, visit www.naias.com

ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES:

www.aatcars.com

This is a joint statement by:

Unique Fabricating (www.uniquefab.com) 

Globally headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, Unique Fabricating was founded in 1975 as an automotive die-cut fabricator of non-metallic materials supporting General Motors, Ford and Chrysler and their Tier One suppliers. Today, Unique Fabricating has earned a leadership position in the automotive market by transforming ourselves into a strategic supplier to all automotive OEMs, their major Tier One suppliers, and companies by providing unbiased die-cut and molded application solutions quickly from our production facilities located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, LaFayette, Georgia, and Monterrey, Mexico.

Emery Oleochemicals (www.emeryoleo.com)

A leading producer of natural-based chemicals made predominantly from natural oils and fats such as plant-based oil and tallow. We offer an extensive product portfolio, including renewable solutions for the Agro Green, Bio-Lubricants, Eco-Friendly Polyols, Green Polymer Additives, Home & Personal Wellness and OleoBasics markets.  With revenue of US$1billion (2013), the company is headquartered in Malaysia with manufacturing plants spanning three continents - Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe. Emery Oleochemicals' global operations are backed by a diverse workforce and an extensive distribution network covering over 50 countries worldwide.

FXI Inc.(www.fxi.com)

Based in Media, Pennsylvania, FXI Inc. is one of the world's leading polyurethane foam manufacturers, and a premier supplier of advanced Polyurethane foams to the automotive industry. FXI has plants strategically located throughout North America serving its customers in foam innovation for the Home, Healthcare, Electronics, Industrial, Personal Care and Transportation Markets. Our products include finished goods, sub-assemblies, services and raw materials for OEMs, fabricators and retailers.

Line-X LLC (www.LINE-X.com)

A developer and provider of high performance protective coatings, LINE-X is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. The company offers scientifically formulated polymers that permanently bond to a wide range of surfaces for unmatched durability. LINE-X also has an expanded portfolio that includes a custom truck division with Truck Gear (www.TruckGear.com) offering private labeled accessories from LINE-X and sold exclusively through LINE-X Franchises. LINE-X products are utilized in automotive, commercial, light industrial, heavy industrial, agricultural, military, marine and custom applications. Headquartered in Huntsville, Ala., with more than 500 locations in 48 countries, it is the goal of LINE-X to consistently produce the highest quality and most reliable materials available.

SOURCE Emery Oleochemicals

Related Links

http://www.emeryoleo.com