Volkswagen has partnered with German start-up Revoltech GmbH to explore and develop a material made from industrial hemp for use in automotive interiors. This collaboration aims to create a 100% bio-based leather alternative that is both sustainable and practical, with the potential to be integrated into Volkswagen models as early as 2028. The material, known as LOVR, represents a significant step forward in the automotive industry’s pursuit of more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.
The production process for LOVR involves combining hemp fibres with a fully bio-based adhesive using specialised technology. The resulting material can be manufactured using existing industrial equipment, which allows for easy scalability and integration into large-scale production. This is a crucial aspect of the material’s potential, as it ensures that the transition to more sustainable alternatives does not require significant changes to existing manufacturing processes.
The partnership between Volkswagen and Revoltech is focused on leveraging the potential of industrial hemp, a versatile crop traditionally used in the food industry. The innovative material developed from hemp residues is designed as a single-layer surface alternative to conventional leather, addressing the growing demand for environmentally conscious materials in vehicle production. This hemp-based material, LOVR, is not only vegan and oil-free but also fully recyclable and compostable, marking a shift towards truly circular manufacturing practices in the automotive sector.
The development of this material is part of Volkswagen's broader ACCELERATE strategy, which places a strong emphasis on the sustainable use of resources. Andreas Walingen, Head of Strategy at Volkswagen, emphasised the importance of aligning customer desires with sustainability goals and corporate interests. He noted that the partnership with Revoltech exemplifies how established companies and start-ups can combine their strengths to bring innovative features to market more swiftly.
The material’s potential applications are being explored in collaboration with Volkswagen’s Materials Technology, Design, and Components Development departments. If all goes according to plan, LOVR could be featured in vehicle interiors by 2028, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional leather that meets the high standards of the automotive industry.
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