Volkswagen has partnered with German start-up Revoltech GmbH to research and develop sustainable materials made from industrial hemp, aiming to introduce these materials in its models by 2028.
The collaboration focuses on creating a 100% bio-based material called LOVR, which stands for leather-free, oil-free, vegan, and residue-based.
This material uses hemp residues from the regional hemp industry, which are combined with a fully bio-based adhesive to create a recyclable or compostable surface material.
The material serves as an alternative to imitation leather and can be produced using existing industrial plants, facilitating rapid scalability and large-scale production.
The project is a joint effort by Volkswagen’s Materials Technology, Design, and Components Development departments, along with Volkswagen Group Innovation and Revoltech GmbH, pooling expertise to explore various potential applications for the automotive sector.
The LOVR material has already garnered positive feedback from customer surveys and presentations, underscoring its appeal as a sustainable and resource-efficient option for vehicle interiors.
Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development, said the company is open to new ideas from diverse industries to achieve holistic, resource-saving solutions.
