What we know!

In researching and developing sustainable materials based on industrial hemp, Volkswagen has entered into a cooperation with the German start-up Revoltech GmbH from Darmstadt. These materials, developed from 100 percent bio-based hemp that is cultivated for the food industry and all natural, could be used as a sustainable surface material in VW models from 2028. It can also be produced on existing industrial plants and recycled or composted at the end of its useful life in an automobile. Initial presentations have already been well received!

Many from VW are lauding the move: “The sustainable use of resources is a key pillar in our ACCELERATE strategy and is therefore firmly anchored in our mindset and our actions,” Andreas Walinger, head of strategy for the VW brand, said. “Our clear goal is to fuse customer wishes, sustainability requirements and corporate interests.”

The cooperation between Revoltech and Volkswagen was a good example of the benefits for start-ups and established companies to be gained from the targeted combination of their respective strengths, with the goal of getting new features ready for use in automobiles as swiftly as possible, he added.

Representatives from Revoltech also applaud the plan: “Our innovative surface material called LOVR (leather-free, oil-free, vegan and residue based) that we are developing and testing for the automotive industry in cooperation with Volkswagen is scalable and groundbreaking for sustainability in the automotive sector,” Lucas Fuhrmann, CEO and co-founder of Revoltech GmbH, said.

In developing this work, Volkswagen’s Materials Technology, Design and Component Development departments, Volkswagen Group Innovation and Revoltech GmbH start up are banding together, using their collective know-how to include as many perspectives as possible.

The next steps!

This development is all part of VW’s “Accelerate” strategy, which also includes its push for EVs. Furthermore, it helps to address the sustainability within those cars, an area that is still untapped. The industrial hemp is also a fully circular product, meaning it can easily be recycled or composted at the end of its useful life. Also, because the material can already be produced in existing facilities, that means future mass-production is not out of the question.

Having a cabin boasting sustainable materials also aligns with and supports VW’s expectation to have 70 percent of its car sales in Europe fully electric by 2030. This development of making leather from industrial hemp gives the automaker a clear advantage among its electric competitors, particularly for those drivers who seek sustainable choices when it comes to their EV purchase.

With a goal to meld customer wishes, sustainability requirements and corporate interests, Volkswagen has taken a giant step ahead in forging interior leather from industrial hemp. Groundbreaking and key to the future of EVs and their roots in sustainability, this strategy is noteworthy. All the good feels – VW has you covered – literally!