Volvo’s XC40 Recycled Plastic Bottles For Its Interior

Volvo’s XC40 Recycled Plastic Bottles For Its Interior

Earlier this year Volvo released it’s new XC40 SUV. It’s a beautiful vehicle, and we had the chance to drive it around the Barossa Valley for the day.

During our time with it, there was once particular nugget of information that stood out — that a large amount of the interior is made from recycled materials.

And you really can’t miss the trims when you open the car up — they’re bright orange. And while this may sound unappealing, it oddly worked and the gave the vehicle a trendy aesthetic. Also, the vibrant dye is the only new material added to the recycled mix.



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A Volvo representative from Sweden spoke to Gizmodo Australia about the company’s decision.

“Volvo is always looking for light weight recycling solutions, the XC40 uses 97% recycled PET bottles in the carpet, floor console and door inserts. It is also a very efficient process where the surface material is also the self-carrying structure. This is completely new in the automotive industry.”

They also mention that the headliner, pillars, and parcel shelf throughout the car contain 30% recycled material.

This isn’t the company’s only foray into sustainability in 2018. Earlier this month Volvo Australia announced its plans for The Living Seawall — a recycling initiative to aid marine life in Sydney Harbour.

The Living Seawall will be made up of fifty 55cm x 55cm 3D-printed tiles (made from concrete and recycled plastic fibres) to create an artificial mangrove.

Within a week of the installation the company believes that oysters, molluscs, and filter-feeding organisms will colonise the wall and subsequently help clean the water.

On a long term scale, the Living Seawall aims to help combat the impact of pollution and urbanisation.

Volvo have also stated that they hope to have one million electric cars on the road by 2025.


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