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TEL AVIV, Israel – January 4, 2022 – UBQ Materials, developer of a thermoplastic converted from 100% landfill-destined waste, announced today that its fully recyclable bio-based thermoplastic will be featured in the all-electric Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, which was presented in a digital world premiere on the Mercedes me media online platform: https://media.mercedes-benz.com/vision-eqxx?csref=cn-mb-eqxx2022-en
Whereas most automobiles use petroleum-based plastics for component production, Mercedes-Benz used UBQ Materials’ bio-based thermoplastic to maximize the sustainability of the VISION EQXX. The new car features UBQ™ in the bionic structure of the vehicle’s body shell and in interior structures such as the headrests.
The openings in the car’s rear-floor casting were closed using patches made from UBQ™ produced on a 3D printer. These UBQ™ patches were designed to optimize stiffness and sound-damping qualities of the mega cast. This first-of-its-kind approach can achieve weight savings compared to conventionally produced cast structures, marking a milestone in lightweight design.
The VISION EQXX interior maximizes use of sustainable resources, also including carpets made from bamboo, upholstery derived from cacti and other lab-grown and bio-based alternatives to leather and textiles.
“The incorporation of sustainable materials into luxury, high-performance vehicles is just beginning,” said Albert Douer, chairman and co-CEO of UBQ Materials. “UBQ™ can be seamlessly incorporated as a drop-in solution with existing tools and manufacturing processes including compression moulding or 3D printing.”
In May 2021, UBQ Materials and Mercedes-Benz together won the Sustainability Award in Automotive 2021 in the “best start-up” category, presented by Roland Berger and ATZ/MTZ. The two companies won the award for their collaborative work developing sustainable car parts.
About UBQ Materials
UBQ Materials Ltd. has developed an advanced conversion technology, patenting the world’s first bio-based thermoplastic (UBQ™) made entirely of unsorted household waste, including all the organics; a revolutionary way to divert municipal solid waste from landfills and convert it into a sustainable substitute for oil-based plastics. A certified B Corp with global brands in the automotive, manufacturing, home goods and retail industries among its customers, UBQ is a globally-awarded clean-tech company helping businesses achieve their ESGs through its climate positive raw material.
With a climate-positive impact and cost-competitive price, UBQ™ empowers manufacturers with a simple transition to greater sustainability. Learn more by visiting UBQMaterials.com.
International Media Contact
Nicole Kaufman Grubner
FINN Partners for UBQ Materials
929-588-2011
nicole.grubner@finnpartners.com
