Ford explores agave deal with Jose Cuervo

Ford believes its cars and trucks could be a pretty good fit with Jose Cuervo, the renowned tequila maker.

The 2 firms are exploring whether the agave byproduct left after tequila is made might be utilized in parts that would enter into Ford automobiles.

Why? Ford thinks agave byproduct could produce lighter and more resistant bioplastics than some petrochemical products utilize in parts such as wiring harnesses or storage bins.

As fuel economy requirements push the needed mileage for brand-new automobiles to 54.5 mpg by 2025, automakers are planning to strip as much weight out of their cars as possible.

“There are about 400 pounds of plastic on a normal automobile,” said Debbie Mielewski, Ford’s senior technical leader in the sustainability research study department. “Our task is to find the ideal location for a green composite like this to assist our effect on the planet.”

For Cuervo, partnering with Ford shall help the Mexican firm discover another market for the agave by-product it produces while making tequila. The company presently utilizes some of the agave fibers as garden compost for its farms while craftsmens likewise make crafts and paper from agave residues.