Audi Selects Mitsubishi Chemical’s DURABIO™ for New Q3 Door Switch Inserts

Mitsubishi Chemical’s bio-based material DURABIO™ has been selected by Audi for the door switch panels in the new Audi Q3, marking their first collaboration.

Düsseldorf, Germany – 11th June, 2026 – Mitsubishi Chemical is proud to announce it has extended its collaboration with Audi through the selection of DURABIO™ for the door switch inserts in the new Audi Q3, which was launched in October 2025.

This milestone marks the debut of DURABIO™ in an Audi interior application. The new door switch panel – crafted from a single DURABIO™ molded component – offers significant improvements in manufacturing efficiency, design flexibility, and environmental performance.

A Leap Forward in Design and Efficiency

The switch panel, designed with three distinct textures – shiny high-gloss, grained, and matte – demonstrates DURABIO™’s exceptional molding versatility. This capability eliminates the need for multiple components and post-processing steps such as painting, streamlining production and reducing costs. The mold-in-color functionality not only delivers a premium finish, such as the selected piano black, but also supports a broad color range for future customization.

“We’re proud to partner with Audi on this project and showcase how DURABIO™ aligns with their values of quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility,” said Nicolas Sawaguchi, Business Development Manager Performance Polymers EMEA at Mitsubishi Chemical.

Sustainability Through Innovation

Developed by Mitsubishi Chemical, DURABIO™ is a partially bio-based engineering polymer derived from isosorbide. Thanks to the addition of bio-based material, it significantly reduces the consumption of fossil fuel-based materials. The elimination of painting processes minimizes CO₂ emissions, waste, and VOCs.

With superior resistance to weathering, impacts, and scratches, DURABIO™ is ideally suited for high-quality interior applications that demand both aesthetic excellence and durability.

The project underscores Mitsubishi Chemical’s commitment to advancing sustainable mobility through material innovation.

Additional information

About Mitsubishi Chemical Group

Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (TSE: 4188) is a specialty materials group with an unwavering commitment to lead with innovative solutions to achieve KAITEKI, the well-being of people and the planet. We bring deep expertise and material science leadership in core market segments such as mobility, digital, medical and food. Together with around 60,000 employees, we enable industry transformation, technology breakthroughs, and longer, more fruitful lives for us all. For further information, please visit our website: https://www.mcgc.com/english/