Continental launches new eco-friendly surface material to make car interiors softer and more durable

Continental has developed a new premium surface material: Benova Eco Protect
.
Advantages: It makes car interiors more sustainable, durable and comfortable
.
This surface material is currently being manufactured in Germany
.
Continental's U.
S.
plant in Winchester, Virginia, will further increase production
.

Christian Noell, global head of the company's Surface Solutions Automotive business unit, said: "Whether on the dashboard, door panels, side or center console, seat covers or headrests, the Benova Eco Protect is known for its exceptionally soft feel, excellent resistance to The aging resistance and light resistance are impressive
.
Thanks to its excellent heat and UV resistance, the material can also withstand the special environmental influences in the cabin
.
This makes it particularly durable
.
”

Even prolonged high temperatures of 120°C will not damage the Benova Eco Protect, thanks to the selection of a suitable substrate and the optimal interaction of the overall structure
.
Furthermore, these properties enable new interior design trends through the use of bright colors on demanding surfaces
.

good ecological balance

Gabriele Wittmann, Global Research Director at Continental: "Benova Eco Protect is an important milestone in product development on the road to sustainable automotive interiors
.
By always avoiding the use of any plasticizers and solvents, the material's emissions and odors are reduced.
Particularly low and with a low product carbon footprint
.
" Continental's materials meet the requirements of all OEM Prohibited and Declared Substances List, GADSL (Global Automotive Declarable Substances List) and the EU chemicals regulation REACH
.

Benova Eco Protect also offers a weight advantage of around 20% and is free of materials of animal origin
.
In addition, the resource-saving and energy-saving production process makes a positive contribution to the ecological balance of the entire vehicle
.
For example, no solvent evaporates during the drying process and no post-treatment of the exhaust gas is required
.
Benova Eco Protect is available in thicknesses ranging from 0.
9mm to 4.
3mm and its material backing consists of textile, polyurethane foam, sandwich foam or spacer fabric
.