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Legislation and perception are forcing carmakers to find alternative ways to reduce the number of noxious gases emitted by their products.
We've seen how engine capacity is downsized, and forced induction by employing turbochargers and superchargers are used to provide more power.
In the past five years, the motor industry has welcomed several electric-powered cars to entice buyers of an even 'greener' purchase.
Another element is the use of recycled materials to replace plastics and less sustainable materials. One of the first examples was in the BMW i3, an interior I find particularly refreshing, and its use of the mallow plant in the cabin and seats festooned in sustainable wool.
The pint-sized BMW is available in fully electric and hybrid models also has exposed carbon weave on the dash. It has been on sale since 2013, honestly forward-thinking from the carmaker's i-brand.
Read my review of the refreshed i3 Rex here.
A vehicle I've experienced from the passenger seat is Renault's Zoe, I requested an Uber Green in Munich, Germany, and the driver popped up in the electric hatchback.
The French firm says the Zoe's cabin is made from recycled plastic bottles, off-cuts from textiles and even reused seat belts.
According to Renault, the use of these materials reduced CO2 emissions by 60%. The clip above shows several other early adopters who used recycled interiors to bring down their environmental impact.
Who knows what we might see in the next 10 years.
Compiled by Sean Parker
