RE: RNS12 Jun 2026 07:14
13 Several major vehicle companies are actively developing, testing, and incorporating lab-grown, plant-based, and vegan leather alternatives into their cabins to reduce carbon footprints.Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz has developed animal-free seating and cabins by partnering with Modern Meadow. Their "Concept AMG GT XX" utilizes an advanced vegan material (LabFiber Biotech) that combines plant-based proteins, biopolymers, and chemically recycled racing tires to mimic Nappa leather.Volkswagen: Volkswagen is actively co-developing a 100% bio-based vegan leather substitute called LOVR with the startup Revoltech. Made entirely from industrial hemp, this lab-tested material is slated for VW model cabins beginning in 2028.Volvo: Volvo has pledged to go completely leather-free across all its electric vehicles by 2030. They are using bio-fabricated and synthetic interiors like Nordico.Kia & Bentley: Kia utilizes materials like mushroom and apple-skin leathers in its concept vehicles, while Bentley introduced fully organic, sustainably sourced leather and is exploring advanced lab-engineered hide solutions.