- DURABIO debuts in an Audi interior application with the new Audi Q3.
- The bio-based polymer enables premium finishes while simplifying production.
Japan-based Mitsubishi Chemical announced on June 11 that Audi has selected DURABIO for the door switch inserts used in the new Audi Q3 launched in October 2025. This marks the first interior application of DURABIO in an Audi vehicle, highlighting growing industry adoption of sustainable materials in premium automotive cabins. The new switch panel has been engineered as a single molded component, enabling improved manufacturing efficiency, enhanced design freedom, and stronger environmental performance while supporting premium interior aesthetics.
DURABIO is a partially bio-based engineering polymer derived from isosorbide and developed to reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based materials. By incorporating renewable content, the material contributes to lower resource consumption while maintaining the performance requirements demanded by modern automotive interiors. The adoption of advanced polymers such as DURABIO reflects the increasing focus of automakers in Germany and globally on balancing sustainability objectives with high-quality design and durability standards in passenger vehicles.
The door switch panel demonstrates DURABIO’s molding versatility through the integration of three different surface finishes within a single component: shiny high-gloss, grained, and matte textures. This capability allows manufacturers to achieve complex visual effects without assembling multiple parts. The material’s design flexibility supports premium interior styling while offering opportunities for future customization across different vehicle models and trim levels.
By enabling mold-in-color functionality, DURABIO eliminates several post-processing steps such as painting and additional finishing operations. This streamlined production approach reduces manufacturing complexity, lowers costs, and improves process efficiency. The ability to create finished components directly from molding not only delivers premium appearance quality but also broadens available color options, helping automakers accelerate development cycles while advancing sustainability goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DURABIO and why is it important for automotive interiors?
DURABIO is a partially bio-based engineering polymer derived from isosorbide and designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based materials. Its importance lies in combining sustainability with premium design and manufacturing efficiency. The material supports multiple surface textures, mold-in-color capabilities, and component integration within a single molded part. These features help automakers reduce production complexity, lower costs, eliminate painting processes, and improve environmental performance while maintaining the aesthetic and durability requirements expected in modern vehicle interiors.
How does DURABIO benefit the new Audi Q3?
The new Audi Q3 uses DURABIO for its door switch inserts, marking the material’s first interior application in an Audi vehicle. By enabling a single molded component with different textures, the polymer enhances design flexibility and manufacturing efficiency. It reduces the need for multiple parts and post-processing operations such as painting, lowering production costs. Additionally, its bio-based composition supports sustainability goals while delivering premium finishes and expanded color customization possibilities for future vehicle designs.
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