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From Yogurt Cups to Frunk Tub: Ford Snags Sustainable Design Award

  • The Mustang Mach-E® SUV frunk is redesigned and made from post-consumer recycled materials, including yogurt cups
  • New frunk design helped reduce complexity, weight, and cost
  • Using recycled plastics can help reduce the carbon footprint of vehicles

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 16, 2023 - The Society of Plastics Engineers has granted a team at Ford their sustainability award for its clever redesign of the Ford Mustang Mach-E® frunk insert.

A dedicated team simplified the frunk design and drastically increased post-consumer recycled content. Created from recycled packaging including and weighing the approximate equivalent of 100 post-consumer use yogurt cups, the frunk tub for the 2023 model year goes from six pieces to one, reduces the weight by over 6.6 pounds, and drastically cuts the part cost.

“We are so proud of this team for seeking opportunities like this to deliver win-win solutions for the environment, customers, and Ford,” said Donna Dickson, Mustang Mach-E chief program engineer. “Our customers love the Mustang Mach-E and this action is a great example of how we’re not resting on our laurels, but working to make each aspect of the vehicle better every single day, whether that’s new hardware like this change or over-the-air software updates.”

Increasing the sustainability of plastics in vehicle design can help to make a beneficial impact on the environment – some estimates show that recycling plastic can reduce the carbon footprint of some plastics by 70-90%.*

“Beyond reducing tailpipe emissions from our vehicles, we are committed to increasing recycled and sustainably sourced content in our vehicles,” said Cynthia Williams, global director sustainability, homologation and compliance at Ford. “Our aspiration is to use only recycled or renewable plastic content in our vehicles, and this innovation helps bring us closer to that goal.”  

Ford’s goal is to achieve carbon neutrality across its vehicles, manufacturing facilities and global supply chain no later than 2050.  Ford was among the first American automakers to include its global supply chain on the Manufacture 2030 platform, inviting 3,000 Tier 1 supplier sites to participate in the program designed to help them measure, mitigate and reduce emissions. Between 2019 and 2022, Ford reduced its overall Scope 3 emissions, which include emissions from suppliers, products and other non-facility sources, by an estimated 23 percent.*

To learn more about the Road to Better and Ford’s commitment to building a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable transportation future where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams visit sustainability.ford.com.  

Key Ford Team Members Behind the Award
Beatriz Arredondo Dhruna

Chris Boese

Mahesh Bhattacharyya

Guillermo Cervantes

Kiesou Hong

Diego Villacres Mesias

Teresita Trejo Soto

Austin Wagenhals

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* 2023 Integrated Sustainability and Financial Report

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.