Design for the environment. This is Mercedes-Benz’s goal. To consistently maintain sustainability as a core part of its brand identity, Mercedes is committed to developing recycled materials and new sustainable materials.
The luxurious electric sedan EQS uses green bio-plastic made from hard-to-recycle waste, such as food scraps, mixed plastics, and baby diapers generated at home, in its cable ducts. The EQS incorporates more than 80 kg of resource-saving materials, including recycled and renewable raw materials. The floor covering is made of nylon recycled from carpets and fishing nets.
Mercedes-Benz has collaborated with chemical company BASF to produce virgin quality plastic certified under mass resin methods by combining pyrolysis oil from used tires and bio-methane extracted from agricultural waste. This product has been used in the door handles of the S-Class, EQE, and EQE SUV since 2022.
The EQE SUV and the Mercedes-Maybach EQS no longer use leather. This is to reduce carbon emissions. The EQE SUV utilizes Artico artificial leather and Neotex materials. The microfleece fabric used in the interior is made from recycled materials and gives a feel similar to suede.
The Maybach EQS SUV features vegetable-tanned leather, which uses coffee bean husks as the tanning agent, and the processes for polishing the leather also utilize plant-based materials.
Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainability does not end with its vehicles. It extends to the Life Collection as well. Mercedes-Benz Korea annually releases eco-friendly products made from 100% recycled polyester and polyamide. Starting with three products in 2021, the eco-friendly product lineup has increased to 21 last year and 32 this year. Sales of products made from recycled materials have been steadily rising each year. An additional 20 products are made with a significant proportion of recycled materials, including hats, clothing, and bags.
Mercedes-Benz Korea utilizes various materials, such as Plastic Bank, Social Plastic materials, and 37.5 Technologic recycled polyester, and plans to release products made from used tires and end-of-life vehicle materials, such as used seat belts, in the future.
A recycling event was also held at the Mercedes-Benz headquarters. In 2021, Mercedes-Benz collaborated with recycling expert Heron Preston to create workwear made from recycled airbags, launched through the clothing brand “Goat.”
Author: Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr