Marelli has developed a new lightweight polyurethane foam that can be applied to all foam-in-place (FIP) applications, particularly the main dashboard panel. It reduces weight by 40% with new tooling (8% with current tooling), decreases foam thickness by 50% – to support styling aesthetics – and reduces raw material costs by 20%, as compared to the current foam in use. In line with the industry’s ongoing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials, the new foam also reduces the environmental impact of automotive production, through its reduced material usage per part, lower density, and 80% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs.)
