Click for larger images
Unveiled at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show: the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe with saffron-colored microfiber Dinamica material on seat inserts and door panels
Miko produces more than 600,000 meters of Dinamica every year and adapts the product for markets including automotive, aviation and marine
Car makers rely on Dinamica Auto to add a sporty yet elegant look to their vehicle interiors – such as that achieved for the Ford Focus RS (above)
Miko's Dinamica material can be customized with bespoke designs that include laser effects, embossing and perforation
Recaro seat stitch detail in Dinamica Auto mibrofiber material
Italian company Miko specializes in the development and production of Dinamica, a high quality ecological microfiber that can be used for anything from car door panels or upholstery to fashion accessories. The faux suede material is produced from a combination of recycled polyester and polyurethane fibers, and is also 100 percent recyclable at the end of its lifecycle.
A traditionally conservative automotive industry looks set to become more adventurous in its use of the color spectrum for car interiors
Miko's eco-friendly products use manufacturing and production methods based on water
Advantages of the process include softness, elasticity and resistance in the microfibers
It is a testament to Terraneo's commitment that his company achieved its early aspirations and eco credentials long before concern for the environment and the reduction of carbon emissions was high on the political agenda or prevalent in the public conscience.
Established in 1997 in Gorizia in north eastern Italy, Miko combines its scientific research and technology with Japanese industrial giant Asahi Kasei – a partner and minority shareholder. Asahi Kasei takes care of the recycling process and water-based manufacturing cycle and is Miko's main supplier of raw material. Miko subsequently creates and develops the Dinamica ecological microfiber in its own state-of-the-art R&D laboratory.
Initially, recycled plastic may not seem a likely material to provide softness, comfort and quality. Yet, the unique characteristics of Dinamica have long been endorsed by international luxury brands including Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Armani.
And it's not just established fashion houses that recognize the technical qualities and aesthetic features of Miko's microfiber material. The company produces over 600,000 meters of Dinamica every year and is able to adapt the product to its various markets which also include automotive, furniture upholstery, aviation, marine, outdoor and medical. It results in an average turnover of 10-12 million Euros (US$13-17 million) a year for the company.
Terraneo has focused on developing materials for the automotive sector since 2002 and now half the company's turnover is attributable to this market with its tailored products Dinamica Auto and Dinamica Auto Stretch.
Leading car manufacturers have relied on the material to add a luxury feel and elegant look to their vehicle interiors. Dinamica Auto is usually applied to seats and backrests, and Dinamica Auto Stretch, with increased stretchability, proves ideal for areas such as door panels, pillars and roof lining. The fabric also has an anti-slip grip quality and can therefore be used on steering wheels, gear shifts and hand brakes.
At the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the new Cadillac CTS-V Coupe was sporting Dinamica – in a bright saffron color – on its seat inserts and door panels. And Miko's microfiber material can also be seen in the interiors of the current BMW 7 series, Ford Focus RS, Mercedes E Class, Citroën C4 Picasso, and VW's Golf R and Scirocco R.
Supercars also receive the treatment: the limited edition Nobel M600 launched last year features Dinamica. "Nobel chose our material," says Terraneo, "because it was really keen to develop a supercar that featured green technology."
But Terraneo has noticed a shift in demand for Dinamica. "Originally, this type of suede material was typically being ordered for big sedans from car makers such as Mercedes, Audi or BMW. But there's now an increasing tendency by car makers to add it to the interiors of small cars," he explains. "They're responding to a growing demand by the market for inexpensive small cars... but featuring luxury interiors."
Dinamica is extremely strong at critical points, such as seat edges and seams, and it also demonstrates remarkable lightfastness. It is highly wear-resistant and the microfibers are totally pilling-free (so even after extensive use, unsightly small bobbles don't build up on the fabric). The microfiber provides softness, elasticity and breathability, and because it is waterproof, it also proves resistant to stains.
Dinamica is highly wear-resistant and the microfibers are totally pilling-free. Click for larger images
The interior of the VW Golf R features Dinamica Auto microfiber material
Sunlight-resistant dyes ensure the colored fabric does not fade over time
The microfiber provides breathability, and because it is waterproof, it also proves resistant to soiling and staining
The advanced technology used during the textile's production process enables it to be made flame-retardant without applying resins to its underside. As well as being up to 100 percent eco-compatible, the material complies with automotive legislation and standards requirements both inside and outside of Europe.
The material complies with automotive legislation and standards requirements both inside and outside of Europe
Miko only employs non-toxic production methods and the company has received Oeko Tex Standard 100 certification to confirm that no harmful elements have been used in the finished Dinamica product. The polyester is immersed in a water-based polyurethane bath without the use of solvents, unlike traditional processes for separating microfibers from a polyester base.
Using recycled polyester – instead of regular polyester which is made with gas or petroleum – also means the impact on the environment is greatly decreased. Miko has calculated that its processes save an estimated 60-70 percent on energy consumption, and reduce the load of CO2 emissions on the planet by 60 percent. The water used during the dyeing and finishing processes is also delivered back to the environment.
Miko's modern dyeworks enables Dinamica to be made available in the full spectrum of colors covering all degrees of the color scale including light and pastel shades with sunlight-resistant dyes that do not fade over time. If requested, Miko is also able to customize the microfiber material with bespoke designs (laser, embossing and perforation) and personal colors for a tailor-made product for the customer.
"Generally, the automotive industry has been very conservative with its use of color, with black, beige and grey consistently being the firm favorites," comments Terraneo. "Now, however, there is a tendency to develop other colors, often in combination with the leather inside the vehicle," he explains. "It depends on the OEM though. While some are prepared to do more development of colors or use perforation to give some texture on the fabric, or a laser effect, others remain more conservative and require just the plain effect of the suede."
Apart from bespoke developments, Terraneo says that the manufactured width of Dinamica Auto Stretch is being increased so there will be less wastage for car makers and cost efficiency will be maximized for the industry.
And the developments don't stop there. Miko is currently assessing the environmental impact of materials and energy use at all the different stages in the lifecycle of Dinamica – from raw material acquisition, manufacture, distribution, use, and disposal – and is looking to develop the means to maximize eco responsibility throughout the lifecycle of all its products.
So which new cars will be featuring Dinamica in the future? Terraneo remains tight-lipped about imminent unveils, but the results of new projects with both PSA and Jaguar/Land Rover are anticipated at the Geneva and Paris motor shows this year, while forthcoming interiors incorporating Dinamica look set to be underway with Honda and Opel.
Related Website:
www.dinamicamiko.com
Car Design News will be hosting a webinar presented by Lorenzo Terraneo, CEO of Miko. The session will cover the application of Dinamica Auto materials on seating areas, door panels and roof lining, as well as on steering wheels, gear shifts and parking brakes.
Register now to participate in the live webinar entitled: 'Driving the Green Way: the First Ecological microfiber for Automotive interiors' taking place on 31 March 2010, at 15:00 GMT.
Review By cardesignnews
0 ความคิดเห็น:
Post a Comment