Volkswagen has entered into a cooperation with the German start-up Revoltech GmbH from Darmstadt to research and develop sustainable materials based on industrial hemp.

These could be used as a sustainable surface material in Volkswagen models from 2028. The material made from 100% bio-based hemp uses residues of the regional hemp industry. It can be produced on existing industrial plants and recycled or composted at the end of its service life in an automobile.

The first presentations of the innovative material have already received a very positive response and feedback from customers.

Together with the Revoltech GmbH start-up, the predevelopment team at the Volkswagen brand is working on a material innovation as a substitute for imitation leather. This material made from what is known as industrial hemp cultivated for the food industry is an all-natural, 100% biological single-layer surface material called LOVR (the letters stand for leather-free, oil-free, vegan and residue-based) that is being developed specifically with the automotive industry in mind.

The hemp fibers and a fully bio-based adhesive are combined using a special technology and processed to become a surface material. This circular material is sourced from regional hemp fields and is fully recyclable or compostable once it has reached the end of its service life. It is produced from residues of the hemp industry that have no further use.

In addition, it can be manufactured on existing industrial plants, thus enabling swift scalability and is therefore also suitable for use in large-scale production.

Volkswagen’s Materials Technology, Design, and Components Development departments, Volkswagen Group Innovation and the Revoltech GmbH start-up are bundling their know-how to include as many perspectives as possible in the development work. Potential applications are being identified in collaboration with Components Development. Possible use in vehicle projects from 2028 is envisaged.