Volkswagen Partners with Revoltech to Develop Hemp-Based Leather Alternative for Car Interiors
Volkswagen is partnering with German hemp pioneer Revoltech GmbH to develop a cutting-edge hemp-based alternative to leather for its vehicle interiors. This forward-thinking collaboration underscores Volkswagen’s dedication to sustainability. The German automaker plans to integrate this innovative material into its car lineup, potentially beginning with the 2028 models.
This move comes on the heels of Germany’s recent marijuana legalization, which has opened new avenues for hemp use across industries. The new material will originate from “100 percent bio-based hemp residues,” sourced from local farms and repurposed from cannabis cultivation byproducts.
Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen’s brand board member for technical development, highlighted the company’s commitment to embracing fresh ideas from various sectors. “At Technical Development, we prioritize innovative, creative, and sustainable solutions for comprehensive, resource-efficient vehicle development,” Grünitz said in a press release. The hemp-based material, named “LOVR,” is leather-free, oil-free, vegan, and created from processed hemp fibers using advanced technology.
Volkswagen’s head of strategy, Andreas Walingen, pointed out that the automaker aims to align with customer preferences, sustainability goals, and corporate interests. VW can smoothly incorporate this new material into large-scale production by leveraging hemp from existing agricultural operations.
Revoltech GmbH’s CEO, Lucas Fuhrmann, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting, “Our innovative surface material, LOVR, developed in partnership with Volkswagen, is both scalable and revolutionary for sustainability in the automotive industry.” The global trend toward eco-friendly materials continues to gain momentum, with hemp emerging as a viable alternative to conventional materials like plastics and concrete.
Volkswagen’s initiative is part of a more significant shift within the automotive industry toward incorporating sustainable practices and materials, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental responsibility.
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Photo Source/Copyright: Volkswagen Newsroom