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Volkswagen Partners With Revoltech For Sustainable Hemp-Based Car Interiors
Volkswagen has partnered with the German start-up Revoltech GmbH to explore sustainable materials for car interiors. The collaboration aims to develop a 100% bio-based leather alternative from industrial hemp, potentially available in Volkswagen models by 2028. This innovative material uses hemp industry residues and can be recycled or composted at the end of its life.
The material, known as LOVR™, is designed specifically for the automotive sector. It combines hemp fibres with a fully bio-based adhesive using a unique technology. This process results in a single-layer surface material that is both natural and vegan. The material can be produced on existing industrial plants, making it scalable for large-scale production.
Volkswagen's predevelopment team is working closely with Revoltech GmbH to create this substitute for imitation leather. The hemp used is cultivated for the food industry, ensuring that the material is entirely biological and sustainable. The project aligns with Volkswagen's ACCELERATE strategy, which focuses on sustainability and resource efficiency.
The initial presentations of this new material have garnered very positive responses from customers. Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development, stated, "In our search for new materials, we are very open to new ideas from many different industries." He emphasised the importance of innovative and sustainable solutions in vehicle development.
Andreas Walingen, Head of Strategy at Volkswagen, highlighted the significance of this cooperation. He noted that combining the strengths of start-ups and established companies can accelerate the introduction of new features in automobiles. This partnership exemplifies how such collaborations can benefit both parties.
Future Applications
The potential applications of this material are being explored in collaboration with Volkswagen's Components Development department. The goal is to identify possible uses in vehicle projects starting from 2028. This initiative reflects Volkswagen's commitment to integrating customer wishes with sustainability requirements and corporate interests.
Lucas Fuhrmann, CEO and co-founder of Revoltech GmbH, expressed enthusiasm about the project: "Our innovative LOVR™ surface material, that we are developing and testing for the automotive industry in cooperation with Volkswagen, is scalable and groundbreaking for sustainability in the automotive sector."
Volkswagen's Global Presence
Volkswagen Passenger Cars operates globally, producing vehicles at 29 locations across 12 countries. In 2023, Volkswagen delivered approximately 4.9 million cars worldwide. These include popular models like the Polo, T-Roc, T-Cross, Golf, Tiguan, and Passat, as well as all-electric models from the ID. family.
Last year alone saw around 394,000 all-electric vehicles delivered to customers globally. With about 170,000 employees worldwide, Volkswagen continues to drive forward its vision of becoming a leading brand in sustainable mobility through its ACCELERATE strategy.
This partnership between Volkswagen and Revoltech GmbH represents a significant step towards more sustainable automotive solutions. By leveraging industrial hemp residues to create recyclable materials for car interiors, both companies are contributing to a more eco-friendly future in vehicle manufacturing.
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