New car part materials from molded polyester may soon give way to a cheap natural car part material made from coconut fiber. Scientists at Baylor University in Waco, Texas are developing a way to use coconut fiber to fabricate a number of automotive interior panels which could soon positively impact the lives of 100 million coconut farmers worldwide; while these cheap new car parts allow more affordable new car prices.

Compression molded synthetic composites made from polyester are currently used to manufacture the interiors of cargo compartments, door panels and passenger areas. More auto makers are employing natural car part materials in their construction from more economical and sustainable resources. In a process using millions of pounds of natural coconut fiber, impoverished farmers will experience a boost in their quality of life while new cars become more environmentally compatible.

The natural car part material is now undergoing certification testing to assure that it is safe and durable. Coconut fiber burns relatively slowly and does not emit toxic fumes; favorable characteristics compared with the current generation of polyester car part materials.