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Nature 446, 715 (12 April 2007) | doi:10.1038/446715a; Published online 11 April 2007
Plastic promises
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Abstract
Car companies know that plastic parts made from plants will appeal to 'green' customers. But as Ichiko Fuyuno reports, their progress has been painfully slow.
Back in 1941, Henry Ford surprised the public by unveiling a 'biological' car. The legendary car-company boss, who had a long-standing interest in environmentally sound materials, unveiled a prototype of plastic panels made from soya beans, wheat and hemp attached to a tubular frame at a motor show in Dearborn, Michigan.
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