At least two automakers have been touting their use of plastic recycled from the maritime industry in their vehicle manufacturing. 

In December, Ford said it used “100% recycled ocean plastics” to make wiring harness clips for its new Bronco Sport. Now BMW said it’s using recycled fishing netting in what it calls an industry first: “customer-facing/visible interior trim parts” for the Neue Klasse model scheduled to debut in 2025. 

Munich-based BMW says its plastics recycling process results in an approximately 25% lower carbon footprint effect than conventionally produced plastics.  

“This form of recycling makes it possible to reduce the need for petroleum based primary plastics and at the same time counteract ocean pollution,” the company said. 

Ford is also using recycled nylon fishing netting to make some vehicle parts and says it’s expanding the types of parts it’s producing from repurposed maritime waste.