Skip to content
VW is researching non-animal alternatives to leather
Dr. Martina Gottschling, researcher at Volkswagen Group Innovation, is involved in basic research for the next generation of leather substitutes.

Steering wheel covers made from non-animal leather, seat finishes made from cellulose or recycled materials made from plastic bottles: to further advance the production of its vehicles when it comes to sustainability, Volkswagen is being both creative and innovative – particularly when it comes to the models in the all-electric ID. family. Aiming to further reduce their ecological footprint, VW is researching various promising approaches and implementing them in series production. One focus area here is using non-animal and recycled materials in the interior.

Coffee leather as a sustainable material: the non-animal imitation leather with its high proportion of biological materials could soon be used for car seats and arm rests in prototypes.
Coffee leather as a sustainable material: the non-animal imitation leather with its high proportion of biological materials could soon be used for car seats and arm rests in prototypes.
Coffee leather as a sustainable material: the non-animal imitation leather with its high proportion of biological materials could soon be used for car seats and arm rests in prototypes.

ID. Buzz is a pioneer when it comes to sustainable materials

YouTube-Video

New field of research: cellulose in seat covers

Sustainable materials in cars: Volkswagen opts for non-animal leather and recycled materials

Stringent requirements for new materials