Pressconnects is reporting that Ford and Heinz are developing auto parts from tomato skins.
Ford Motor Co. and the H.J. Heinz Co., the Pittsburgh-based ketchup maker are teaming up on research to turn tomato skins into auto parts.
According to a joint news release, scientists at both companies believe they can use tomato fibers to manufacture composite materials used for wiring brackets, or storage bins in cars instead of petroleum-based plastics.
Ford says it began working with Heinz, The Coca-Cola Company, Nike Inc. and Procter & Gamble to speed up attempts to create a “a 100 percent plant-based plastic to be used to make everything from fabric to packaging.”
Meanwhile, Heinz was looking to recycle the leftover parts of the two million tons of tomatoes Heinz uses to make ketchup each year.
The companies say the technology has been validated, but still needs to be refined.
For more information or to read the full article, click here.
Latest from Produce Grower
- BioWorks introduces Sandrine Copper Soap and Cintro Insecticidal Soap
- BrightFarms debuts campaign for National Quitter’s Day
- Emerald Packaging joins US Flexible Film Initiative
- Circana forecasts steady but nuanced growth for fresh produce market in 2026
- BioWorks appoints Jason Miller as director of sales and distributor relations manager
- Florida Ag Research appoints Jason Hamm as southeast USA area research manager
- Fresh Inset appoints Gordon Robertson as general manager, North America
- Texas International Produce Association announces 2026 Texas Produce Hall of Fame inductees
