Volkswagen is collaborating with a German startup called Revoltech to develop a sustainable hemp-based alternative to leather upholstery for its vehicles. The goal is to further reduce the environmental impact of Volkswagen’s cars. The new hemp-based material could potentially be used in VW models by 2028, according to the automaker. Volkswagen claims that this material can be manufactured at existing factories and can be recycled or composted once it reaches the end of its lifespan.
The hemp-based synthetic leather is created from the residue of hemp plants that are grown for the food industry. This residue would typically have no other practical use, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly option. Volkswagen also highlights that this material is vegan and free of oil, unlike some synthetic leather alternatives that are marketed as vegan but still contain petroleum-based components.
Kai Grünitz, the head of VW brand’s Technical Development unit, expressed the company’s openness to exploring new materials from various industries. This demonstrates Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in its manufacturing processes.
The shift away from traditional leather upholstery is a trend that other automakers are also embracing for environmental reasons. Volvo, for example, plans to eliminate leather from all its electric vehicles by 2030, while Kia is working towards phasing out leather in its future models. Polestar, another automotive company, has been experimenting with natural and recycled materials to address the environmental impact of its manufacturing practices, especially in electric vehicles that produce zero emissions from the tailpipe.
However, the leather industry has raised concerns about the sustainability of alternative materials. One 4 Leather, a trade group, argued in a statement released in January that leather has a lower carbon footprint compared to the synthetic upholstery proposed for electric vehicles. The group’s reasoning is that leather is a byproduct of cattle raised for meat and dairy production, suggesting that using hides is a form of upcycling material that would otherwise go to waste. This argument raises questions about the broader implications of livestock farming and its impact on the environment.
As automakers continue to explore innovative materials and production methods to reduce their carbon footprint, the debate over the sustainability of different upholstery options will likely continue. The development of hemp-based synthetic leather by Volkswagen is a step towards more eco-friendly vehicle manufacturing, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in the automotive industry.
