Ford Collaborates with HellermannTyton for “Ocean Plastic” Harness Fastener

MILWAUKEE – HellermannTyton, manufacturer of automotive wire management solutions, expanded its recycled products portfolio with a wire harness mounting fastener made of “ghost gear” – abandoned commercial fishing nets. Ford is the world’s first automaker to use 100 percent repurposed nylon from recycled ocean plastics for auto parts. The company began using the recycled part September 2021.

The fishing nets are harvested from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea by DSM Engineering Materials. Abandoned nets can harm sea life and take decades to decompose. The new material has been used in a range of consumer goods. The Ford part is being used on the Bronco Sport’s second-row seats to guide wires that power side-curtain airbags. The company is exploring the expansion of its use of the material for other applications.

Ford tested strength and durability of the material and found, despite extended exposure to salt water and sunlight, it performs on par with virgin petroleum-based plastics.

The part earned first place at the 50th SPE Automotive Innovation Awards Gala, environmental category, on November 10, 2021.

“As a global leader in cable management innovation, HellermannTyton strives for eco-friendly ways to pave the path to a more sustainable future,” said Anisia Peterman, HellermannTyton automotive product manager. “Developments like this one do not come easy, so we are proud to collaborate with Ford in support of a unique product solution that contributes to healthier oceans.”

See Ford Motor Company’s press release here.

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