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Innovative materials supplier Toray has showcased its latest plant-based efforts with a new autonomous shuttle concept
Today, eco-conscious alternatives can provide the same look, feel and performance of the popular materials they replace – with the added bonus of an improved environmental footprint. Building on the success of its application in the ANA Green Jet in 2022, Toray’s Ultrasuede, which partially consists of 100% plant-based polyester, has now been used in the APURE autonomous shuttle project, boosting the company’s long-term plan to realise 100% plant-based polyester across the board.
Today, Ultrasuede products supplied to the automotive industry use roughly 30% plant-based material, and this number will continue to rise as broader supply chain constraints are worked out. Ironically, the long-term use of partially plant-based material will alleviate supply concerns: Toray points to the looming exhaustion of oil resources, the impact of which could be avoided altogether with a stable supply of plant-based feedstock.
In 2015, Toray became the world’s first plant-based nonwoven suede manufacturer, and today more than half of its sales volume has already been switched to its more environmentally-conscious material. The APURE shuttle is a key milestone in Toray’s push for a fully plant-based reality and came as part of a collaboration with German design firm, Neomind.
This self-driving shuttle concept is a flexible, on-demand mobility solution that aims to set a new standard in public transportation. Combining Neomind’s extensive experience in public transport design with Toray’s innovative materials and RMV’s mobility expertise, the resulting concept is expected to boost the attractiveness of public transport and boost the adoption of autonomous shuttle services in future.
APURE stands for Autonomous Premium Urban Riding Ecosystem, and there was indeed a focus on creating a premium experience for passengers. Not only in the conventional sense – soft to the touch, easy on the eye and pleasant smelling – but also in terms of performance. Materials in a shared autonomous shuttle would be subjected to more frequent use than a typical car, for example, and must be super durable. There is another crucial consideration beyond this, though: well-being and mental comfort.
The space feels like a living room thanks to soft lighting and new upholstery… a refreshing change from standard bus interiors
Riding in a vehicle without a driver, at least for the first few times, can be an alien experience and some passengers may feel a little anxious. Once passengers are comfortable that the vehicle has things under control, the goal is to create a sanctuary from the outside world.
The choice of materials (and colours) plays a huge role in defining the passengers’ mood. They should encourage a feeling of tranquility and calm, something that conventional suede has done for decades. Toray is confident its partially plant-based alternative fits the bill, and then some: “The space feels like a living room thanks to soft lighting and new upholstery, offering a refreshing change from standard bus interiors.”
A calming mix of sage green, cream and natural wood adorns the interior of the shuttle, teamed with dark seat covers and fluted units along the walls and window frames. It combines well and does indeed evoke the feeling of a wellness retreat.
All upholstery fabric used in the shuttle’s interior is made entirely of partially plant-based material, highlighting its versatility. The seats feature Ultrasuede nu, designed to replicate a premium aniline leather, while the interior surfaces and pillars use the Ultrasuede suede alternative. Foam padding and flame-retardant shielding, along with various other materials, also employ a mix of plant-based material from Toray.
Coincidentally, the colours of the APURE shuttle link nicely with the latest theme of Toray’s 2024 Automotive Collection dubbed ‘Greener’. Two green tones, the lighter Boso Air and darker Nocturnal, draw inspiration from nature. The former captures “the purity of the sugarcane leaves and freshness of the air” while the latter is an “intense” tone created as an answer to the question: what is the most vivid and deep green?
In September 2024, the APURE concept won a Red Dot design award, recognised for its “eco-conscious interior design, partially plant-based and recycled materials and practical layout, balancing high capacity, safety and comfort.” A prototype was on show at InnoTrans in Berlin that month, and Toray says it will continue to develop its “synthetic organic and polymer chemistry, biotechnology, and nanotechnology” moving forward.
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