Today the International Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE), a U.S. association, presented its SPE Automotive Award in the “Environment” category to Mercedes-Benz in recognition of the use of natural fibers in the spare tire well cover of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

DaimlerChrysler started using the very tough natural fibers of the abaca plant in place of glass fibers in the spare tire well covers of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class coupe in 2004. This marks the first time that a component containing natural fibers has been used in the exterior of a passenger car.

DaimlerChrysler researchers patented the new blend of polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic and embedded fibers in 2002. Manila Cordage, a Philippine company that makes semi-finished products, supplies the fibers. The components for the A-Class are produced by the automotive supplier Rieter in Switzerland.