In a bid to make the all-electric ID range more sustainable, Volkswagen is working on the development of more environmentally friendly materials for the interior.
During 2023, the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7 will receive certain innovations that were first used during the production of the ID. Buzz, such as Seaqual yarn for the seat cover material. The sustainable material is made from 10% collected marine debris and 90% recycled PES yarn. The CO2 emissions from production are nearly one-third lower than for conventional seat cover materials.
Several other sustainable innovations used within the ID. Buzz’s cabin will also be introduced into the other ID models. These include ArtVelours Eco seat covers, which are produced from 71% recycled material. Furthermore, the surface of the headliner and floor covering in the ID. Buzz are made completely from recycled polyester, and recycled plastics are used in the insulating layer of the carpet.
Due to its harmful production process, chrome is no longer used for the trim parts on the doors, instrument panel and steering wheel clip of the ID. Buzz. These are now finished with a liquid chrome-look paint with a bio-based binder.
To produce some of the previously mentioned materials, PET bottles and old fishing nets are processed into granulates before being reused. Depending on the requirements of the item, components can be manufactured using only a small number of recycled materials or completely from them. Volkswagen states that the reused materials must “always offer the same characteristics as conventional ones” in terms of their look and feel, durability and longevity.
“Through the widespread use of recycled materials and the animal-leather-free interior in our ID. models, we are further improving the eco-balance of our vehicles – with high demands on haptic and long-term quality,” explained Silke Bagschik, head of product line e-Mobility. “The feedback from our customers confirms that we will continue to expand these sustainable approaches in the future.”