Volkswagen Teams Up with Revoltech to Develop Groundbreaking Sustainable Materials from Hemp
Volkswagen has partnered with the German startup Revoltech GmbH in Darmstadt to research and develop sustainable materials from industrial hemp. These innovative materials, intended for use in Volkswagen models starting in 2028, are entirely derived from bio-based hemp. Utilising regional hemp industry residues, this material can be manufactured on existing industrial equipment and is recyclable or compostable after its automotive life.
Customers have already shown great enthusiasm for these presentations of the innovative material.
Kai Grünitz, Technical Development Board Member at Volkswagen, states, “We actively seek new material solutions, drawing inspiration from a broad spectrum of industries. We focus on pioneering creative and sustainable strategies for comprehensive, resource-efficient vehicle development.”
Andreas Walingen, Volkswagen’s Strategy Head, explains, “Resource sustainability is crucial within our ACCELERATE strategy, shaping our mindset and actions. We aim to merge customer demands with sustainability and corporate objectives. The Revoltech partnership exemplifies how combining strengths with startups benefits both and accelerates new automotive features.”
Lucas Fuhrmann, CEO and co-founder of Revoltech GmbH, shares, “Our groundbreaking LOVR™ surface material, developed with Volkswagen for the automotive industry, is scalable and sets new sustainability standards.”
Volkswagen’s predevelopment team and Revoltech are exploring a revolutionary material alternative to synthetic leather. Named LOVR™, this all-natural, single-layer material is being tailored specifically for automotive applications. It combines hemp fibres with a wholly bio-based adhesive through a unique process, resulting in a fully circular, compostable material. Produced from unusable hemp residue and suitable for large-scale production, this innovation promises significant environmental benefits.
Volkswagen’s Materials Technology, Design, and Components Development departments, along with Volkswagen Group Innovation and Revoltech, collaborate to integrate diverse expertise to maximise development potential. They are identifying possible applications and envisage incorporating this material into vehicles by 2028, having already garnered positive customer feedback.
Volkswagen produces vehicles in 12 countries across 29 locations globally. In 2023, the company sold approximately 4.9 million vehicles, including popular models and nearly 400,000 electric cars. Volkswagen employs around 170,000 people worldwide and is advancing towards becoming the leading brand for sustainable mobility with its ACCELERATE strategy.
