- Automakers are looking for sustainable leather alternatives to produce
- Plant or mushroom remains could be turned into synthetic leather in the future
- Lab-grown materials in early stages of development to replace leather
As automakers look for more sustainable alternatives to traditional leather, a new report from research firm IDTechEx highlights some possibilities, including leather made from remains of plants or mushrooms.
These alternatives could have a less environmental impact than leather made from animal skins, which causes greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and land grabbing by livestock, the report notes. Plant-based, microbe-based and mycelium leather (mushroom) are also attracting significant interest, according to the report, but still face some development hurdles.
Callum’s Porsche 911 design study with sustainable materials
Plant-based leather can be made from a variety of sources, including apple peels, pineapple leaves, cacti, grapes and bamboo, according to the report. But it currently requires some plastic contentnotes the report, and may not be up to the same durability standards as traditional leather. Automotive designer Ian Callum’s company has put this idea into practice with a one-of-a-kind Porsche 911 restomod. Its interior features materials made from coffee pulp, lentils and eggshells.
It is also possible to make mycelial leather from filiform roots of fungithat can be woven together into a mat-like shape that can be cut and shaped. The fungi can be grown in the same environment where the final product is made, reducing the overall footprint of the production process, the report said. And mycelial leather requires less water and energy than other materials. Similar materials have been used in Cadillac Solley and Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX concepts.
Cadillac Sollei Concept
The report also addresses microbial issues and laboratory grown materials Made from fermented microorganisms and biopsies of animal skin cells. However, they are still in the early stages of development and, like plant-based leather, may still require some plastic, which would increase the carbon footprint of these materials. Anything made from animal skin cells would also not qualify as vegan, which could be a problem for some car buyers.
Sustainable materials will likely play a bigger role in EVs, as the absence of “tailpipe” emissions prompts automakers to look at other areas to further reduce the environmental impact of these vehicles. Volvo has emphasized sustainable and recycled materials in your EX90 electric SUVand NASCAR chose linen-based bodywork for its electric racing car prototype.
