Systems thinking for sustainable textiles in the automotive sector.

According to Messe Frankfurt (2013), recycled and renewable raw materials are two main drivers in the growth of the Mobiletech markets which accounts for about 22% of the technical textiles base. However, the use of recycled textiles for consumer facing textiles within automobiles (such as car seat coverings or interior linings) appears to remain a complex issue; the core reason stated being the increased cost, even though the textiles are very similar to that produced from virgin polyester fibres. Studies have examined how sustainability has been incorporated into the automotive supply chain management at Volkswagen (Koplin et al.2007) and the optimization of the environmental compatibility of purchased goods such as ‘product-based green supply’ (Vermeulen et al. 2011), the importance of the consumer has also been acknowledged as a very influential driver to sustainable textile design (Diabat et al. 2014). This paper considers the progress that has been made to date in developing consumer facing sustainable textiles solutions for the automotive textiles sector. By examining the complexities regarding the design and use of sustainable textiles solutions such as recycled textiles or non-adhesive lamination within the automotive supply chain, we consider what needs to be done further to develop a sustainable approach to the automotive textile design system.

Methods: The paper reviews the current state of sustainable textile solutions for the automotive sector, in particular the recycling of polyester to highlight how the processes of recycled polyester and sustainable textiles production are linked in the system of automotive sector. A case study with Sage AI (UK) outlines and examines their design, development and manufacture process for exterior textiles (ie for car seat coverings and interiors). Using content analysis of the interviews, company literature, textiles manufacturing literature and Integration Definition for Function Modelling, we created diagrams of the process which were validated by the Design Director at Sage AI UK. These diagrams and literature review are examined from a systems perspective to identify potential feedback loops and leverage points to effect change and how the process could divert waste from disposal. Results: The paper will present IDEFO diagrams of each stage of the design process, highlighting some of the issues regarding the process and a table outlining the decision making around the use of recycled textiles. The paper will also outline the system that textile design for the automotive sector operates within. The interviews found that, although Sage AI headquarters provide worldwide trends information to all Sage locations, the OEM’s concern regarding consumer knowledge within the EU markets; limited the greater use of recycled or non-adhesive laminated textiles the most sustainable textiles solutions, in favour of achieving lowest cost. Discussion: This study demonstrates how the design for automotive textiles is part of a system. Decisions around developing sustainable textiles solutions are through negotiation with the lead firm, the OEM that is seeking to manufacture the model. The automotive sector currently has governmental policy drivers for sustainability. Material stocks and flows and technology is also currently available for recyclable and sustainable textiles for the automotive sector. Although textiles recycling is an established practice and industry a number of issues are raised from this study that are common to areas such as fashion, home interiors and automotive. This need to be addressed such as marketing approaches for the recycled textiles, consumer knowledge about their uptake of recycled textiles, market development for recycled textiles products.