Volkswagen recently partnered with Revoltech GmbH, a startup based in Darmstadt, Germany, to research and develop sustainable materials based on industrial hemp, which will be used in Volkswagen models from 2028. This 100% bio-based hemp material makes use of regional hemp industry residues, can be produced on existing industrial equipment, and can be recycled or composted at the end of the vehicle's life. The first demonstration of this innovative material has already received positive feedback from customers.
Andreas Walingen, Head of Brand Strategy at Volkswagen, added: "Sustainable use of resources is a key pillar in our ACCELERATE strategy and is therefore deeply embedded in our philosophy and actions. Our clear goal is to combine customer needs, sustainability requirements and corporate interests." He also emphasized that Volkswagen's cooperation with Revoltech is a good example of startups and large companies combining their respective strengths in order to apply new features to the automotive field as quickly as possible.

Kai Grünitz, member of the board for technical development at Volkswagen, says: "In the search for new materials, we are very open to new ideas from all walks of life. Our technical development department focuses very much on innovation, creativity and sustainable solutions and hopes to save resources and promote the development of automobiles in an all-round way."
The pre-development team of the Volkswagen brand is working with the start-up Revoltech GmbH to develop a material that can replace imitation leather. The material is made from industrial hemp, which is grown for the food industry and is called LOVR™ (Leather-free, Oil-free, Vegan, Residue-based), which has been developed specifically for the automotive industry. These hemp fibers are combined with a completely bio-based adhesive using a special technology to create a single-layer surface material. The truly circular material comes from regional hemp fields and is fully recyclable or compostable at the end of its life. In addition, it can be produced on existing industrial equipment, which makes large-scale production possible.

"We are working with Volkswagen to develop and test an innovative surface material called LOVR™ that is groundbreaking and scalable in terms of sustainability in the automotive industry," said Lucas Fuhrmann, CEO and co-founder of Revoltech GmbH.
Volkswagen's Material Technology, Design and Component Development departments, together with Volkswagen Group Innovation and Revoltech GmbH, are combining expertise, developing work from multiple perspectives and working with component development to identify potential application scenarios. The material is expected to be used in vehicle projects as early as 2028. According to customer surveys, this material has received very positive feedback.

Categories: vehicles