Startup Natural Fiber Welding: Artificial leather made from plant fibers

E A sustainable way of life is not just a trend for many people, but is becoming an important part of everyday life in more and more areas. For example, the diet is switched to organic products if the budget allows it and meat consumption is reduced or completely stopped.

Leather upholstery in cars, a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship for many manufacturers and customers, is a popular choice Extra. But here, too, a change is emerging. New materials are moving into the cars.

After paying a hefty surcharge, the Range Rover Velar can be clad with an interior that is partly made of recycled PET bottles and wool. The appearance and surface texture are reminiscent of well-known microfibre fabrics.

Sustainable and flexible material

The US company Natural Fiber Welding, which is accompanied by Daimler's startup Autobahn, manufactures a purely vegetable leather Imitation. Plant fibers form the basis for the animal skin substitute, which can be colored as desired without the use of harsh chemicals. In addition, the manufacturer promises simple machine processing when cutting. The surface structure and thickness of the material can be largely freely determined.

This should also appeal to car manufacturers, who thus have new freedom in designing brand-specific interiors. It remains to be seen which brand the startup autobahn will lead the plant-based leather to first.