Mini has disclosed its methods of committing to sustainability through the use of innovative and recycled materials in the interior. This commitment is particularly evident in the current Mini generation.
Knit partially made from recyclate
In line with the ‘secondary first’ principle, Mini said it would use knit from recycled materials in all models launched from 2024. The knitted material consists of 92% polyester recyclate and is used for dashboard upholstery, door trim and the center console lid.
Design, function and sustainability
The knitted material opens up new possibilities for individual color and pattern combinations and enables a two-color design with a depth effect as the color of the lower textile layer subtly shines through the upper layer. This structure, inspired by sneaker design, gives the surfaces visual complexity. The components are also abrasion-resistant, structurally reinforced and leather-free.
The latest BMW iX3 also uses this technology, in the Contemporary trim of the first model of the Neue Klasse. The knit of the instrument panel is made of 75% recycled material. While the light in the Mini family is projected onto the dashboard, the lighting in the BMW iX3 comes from the rear, so the knit pattern was deliberately designed to be more translucent so that the backlighting comes into its own.
Collaboration is key
The textile solution for the Mini interior was made ready for series production in close collaboration with internal and external partners. Cross-industry and cross-departmental cooperation proves to be the key to innovations in sustainability.
In related news, Anritsu and Head Acoustics have launched an advanced voice quality testing solution
