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Phase: Ideas

Nike Grind Materials for Car Interiors

Nike Grind materials can be used for car interiors in new cars.

Photo of Alexandra Ralevski
8 4

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The automotive industry has taken major steps in the past several years to increase sustainability in manufacturing and production, in an attempt to get in line with more eco-conscious consumers and reduce costs.

For example, the new Ford Focus Electric has a “100% sustainable interior”, including 35% recycled content made from denim and several other post-industrial fabrics. Ford estimates that it saves more than $10 million a year in North America alone by using recycled materials in its vehicles. Other companies, such as BMW, Nissan, GM, and Toyota, among others, have gotten on board, and are seeking sustainable alternatives to many commonly used manufacturing materials, and often use recycled content in the design and manufacturing of new vehicles.

Use of Nike Grind materials in car interiors can help continue improving sustainability in the automotive industry by providing recycled materials to automotive companies, reducing cost and waste, and encouraging companies and consumers to “close the loop” and recycle post-consumer waste.

Which Nike Grind materials will your idea utilize?

  • Rubber Outsoles
  • Rubber Flashings
  • Rubber Granulate
  • EVA Foam Injection Scraps
  • EVA Foam Flashings
  • EVA Foam Sheets & Blocks
  • EVA Foam Components
  • Laminated EVA Foam
  • Laminated PU Foam
  • Mixed Apparel Textile
  • Mixed Footwear Textile
  • Footwear Fiber "Fluff"
  • Full Grain Leather Scraps
  • Split Leather Scraps Coated
  • Synthetic Leather

How specifically will these materials be incorporated into your solution?

Rubber materials can be used in floor mats, window seals, cup holders, and gate slot pad mats. Foam materials can be used for dashboards, impact-absorbing foam blocks in door panels, and seat cushions. Leather can be used for steering wheels and certain types of car seats. Textile materials can be used in seat belts and certain types of car seats.

Please include a visual (can be either 2D or 3D) representation/prototype of your concept. (required)

What is the current stage of development of your idea?

  • Research & Early Testing

Describe your target market. Who will benefit from your product?

Auto manufacturers seeking cheaper and more sustainable alternative for materials, as well as a way to reduce the carbon footprint of their manufacturing and production processes. Car buyers seeking more sustainability-conscious products.

How will you scale your idea? Please describe in detail your plan to scale your concept.

The idea would be implemented in the finished product (the car) in the automotive marketplace. Possible obstacles include difficulty in transporting materials, and differences in quality control between materials.

How is your idea innovative?

This idea promotes companies from different sectors (athletics and automotive) to share materials. This can lead to changes in manufacturing streams and recycled materials streams, as well as business models with regards to sharing materials.

Tell us about yourself and your team. What is your background and experience?

I am a postdoctoral associate at Yale University specializing in neuroscience and plant biology research. I am also a biomimicry consultant for top companies, and am always thinking of new and innovative ways for companies to improve their products.

In what city are you located?

New Haven

In what country are you located?

USA

Please describe how becoming a Top Idea will support the growth of your concept.

Becoming a Top Idea will allow for this idea to be implemented, with a potential to save costs and reduce waste in the automotive industry.

This inspired (1)

Nike Grind Lotus Tec®
Nike Grind Lotus Tec®

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Photo of Awen Delaval
Team

Hi Alexandra,
I had a great pleasure to read your project and would love to discuss with you about the technoligies. Can you tell more about the process and certification that you target.

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