Toyota announces use of ecological plastic

Toyota Motor Corp. has announced that it will begin using an improved version of its “ecological plastic” developed by affiliate company Toyota Tsusho. The material is a bio-PET (polyethylene terephthalate) that uses ethanol derived from sugarcane instead of the typical monoethylene glycol derived from oil. Toyota said that it will use the new plastic initially for a luggage compartment liner in the Lexus CT200h that is due to be introduced early next year. The material is more durable and has better heat and shrink resistance than conventional bio-plastics, according to Toyota. (October 15, 2010)