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Volkswagen has partnered with a hemp company to develop a sustainable material made from hemp fibers as a replacement for faux leather.
Germany’s auto giant announced last week a partnership with the German start-up Revoltech GmbH to research and develop sustainable materials made from industrial hemp.
Volkswagen mentioned that a material derived from hemp fibers could serve as a sustainable surface option in their models starting in 2028.
This 100% bio-based hemp material uses by-products from the local hemp industry, is compatible with current industrial manufacturing processes, and can be either recycled or composted once it has reached the end of its use in a vehicle.
The announcement highlights hemp’s versatility across various industries, including automotive. Its high cellulose content enables the production of strong, lightweight composites, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional automotive materials. In 1941, Ford demonstrated hemp’s potential with a material made of 70% cellulose fiber and 30% resin binder, with 10% of the fiber content derived from hemp. Today, leading automotive brands use hemp in their vehicles to reduce weight and lower their carbon footprint.
The initial presentations of the innovative material have received highly positive feedback from customers., Volkswagen’s press release says.
Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen’s Brand Board Member for Technical Development, said the company welcomes new ideas from various industries. Andreas Walingen, Head of Strategy at Volkswagen, highlighted the company’s aim to integrate customer desires, sustainability goals, and corporate interests. Meanwhile, Lucas Fuhrmann, CEO and co-founder of Revoltech GmbH, described their innovative surface material as both scalable and revolutionary for sustainability in the automotive sector.
The two companies are developing a new material to replace imitation leather. This all-natural, 100% biodegradable surface material, named LOVR™ (leather-free, oil-free, vegan, residue-based), is made from industrial hemp used in the food industry. The material is created by combining hemp fibers with a bio-based adhesive using specialized technology. Sourced from local hemp fields, it is fully recyclable or compostable at the end of its life. Additionally, it can be produced with existing industrial equipment, allowing for rapid scalability and suitability for large-scale production.
Volkswagen’s announcement comes at a time of increasing momentum for cannabis in Germany. This year, Germany legalized recreational cannabis for personal use, allowing the formation of cannabis social clubs for growing and consuming cannabis collectively, though a formal market has not been established. The move has also positively impacted medical cannabis, making it easier to access through prescriptions.
Industrial hemp-based materials are increasingly used in the automotive industry for their sustainability and lightweight properties. Hemp fibers are applied in interior panels, structural components, insulation, and seat upholstery due to their high tensile strength and durability. These materials are ideal for lightweight yet strong parts such as door panels and dashboards. Additionally, hemp’s compatibility with polymers improves the stiffness and crash performance of car bodies and bumpers.
Major manufacturers like Ford, BMW, Lotus and Peugeot are experimenting with hemp to reduce weight and enhance environmental benefits.
While industrial hemp has strong potential for automotive use, suppliers may face several challenges. Poor hemp quality can impact performance, and the industry needs to develop specialized processing and new equipment to integrate hemp fibers into composites, which requires significant investment. Furthermore, hemp-based composites can be more expensive than traditional materials, and market acceptance is hampered by skepticism about their performance. Additionally, integrating hemp into existing production lines may require substantial changes, which could deter manufacturers.
However, as the industry continues to explore hemp’s potential, its use in automotive manufacturing may expand significantly.
“}]] Volkswagen has partnered with a hemp company to develop a sustainable material made from hemp fibers as a replacement for faux leather. Read More