A leading and well known supplier of automotive parts - Lear Corporation, USA, has recently developed and introduced two new plastic composites for automotive parts. These composites are more enviornmental friendly, as they are constituted of natural fibres such as Hemp, Jute & Kenof. These natural fibres are obtained from plants and can be recycled.  The first material is based on Polypropylene, while the second material uses Acrylic Polymer. Coupling agents are normally used to enhance the compatibility of natural fibres with polymeric materials and are added to Polymers at as high a level as 70%.   Some of the applications which are being evaluated are:

	Interior door panels
	Door panel trimmings
	Package trays
	Trunks

(Source: Reinforced Plastics: July / August 2000)