See how #Ford and @JoseCuervo work together to give excess agave a second chance as potential car parts. #FarmToCarhttps://t.co/OmvRv11dSj
— Ford Drive Green (@FordDriveGreen) July 19, 2016
Jose Cuervo® grows millions of agave plants each year.
"As the world’s No. 1-selling tequila, we could never have imagined the hundreds of agave plants we were cultivating as a small family business would eventually multiply to millions," said Sonia Espinola, director of heritage for Cuervo Foundation.
This proliferation meant not only more tequila, which is the company's primary product, but also more agave fiber left over. See, the entire plant is not used -- only the sap. The remaining parts of the plant are used by some artisans for craft-making, or by Jose Cuervo itself as farming fertilizer.
More plants, more leftovers. Soon, there was not enough demand for the amount of fiber being produced.
That's when Ford stepped in. Ford has been working for over a decade to incorporate plant-based materials to replace petroleum products. For instance, almost all new Ford vehicles are made with soy-foam seat cushions.
Now, Ford is developing ways to turn agave fiber into durable composite plastics to make cup holders, storage bins, and more. "This collaboration brings two great companies together to develop innovative, earth-conscious materials," said Espinola.
Learn more about eco-friendly driving at Folsom Lake Ford.