Mitsubishi Motors Corp. has jointly developed a car interior material made of plant-derived plastic consisting of polybutylene succinate (PBS) combined with bamboo fibers with the Aichi Industrial Technology Institute. When compared with conventional petroleum-derived plastic, polypropylene (PP), PBS proved to be capable of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50% over the lifecycle of the automobile interior.

Since 2004, the company has focused on recyclable resources, such as plant-based resins and fibers from fast-growing plants, as substitutes for the petroleum-based resins and wood hardboard used in automotive interiors.

PBS, the main component of the new material, is a plant-based resin primarily composed of succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol. Succinic acid is produced by fermentation of sugar extracted from sugarcane or corn. The PBS is then combined with bamboo fibers to provide rigidity. Bamboo grows rapidly, typically within a few years, and is thus a potentially sustainable resource, particularly when compared with traditional timber. In addition, it is widely available in areas such as Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.

The company has named its plant-based resin technology "Green Plastic" and will continue the development and practical application of this new material.