The Lincoln Motor Company, Weyerhaeuser and Johnson Controls have collaborated for the creation of a tree-based, renewable alternative to fiberglass for use in auto parts. Using tree-harvested natural fibers in place of traditional glass-based fibers, Weyerhaeuser created Cellulose Reinforced Polypropylene. The use of Cellulose Reinforced Polypropylene - lighter and more eco-friendly than fiberglass - in a production vehicle is slated for introduction on 2014 model year Lincoln MKX vehicles built early next year.

Cellulose Reinforced Polypropylene replaces the fiberglass material traditionally used in the floor console armrest substrate - a structural piece located within the center console armrest. Pieces made from CRP are roughly 6% lighter, and decrease the reliance on less-environmentally friendly fiberglass parts. The use of Cellulose Reinforced Polypropylene, while relatively small in the current project, marks an advancement that has the potential to play a more impactful role in the future, explained Ellen Lee, plastics research technical expert for Ford Motor Company.

Cellulose Reinforced Polypropylene has been used on Ford Motor Company prototype vehicles in the past, but its use on Lincoln MKX marks its first application on a production vehicle.