Innovative and sustainable materials for car interiors: leather from industrial hemp
To research and develop sustainable materials based on industrial hemp, which could be used as a surface material in production models starting in 2028: this is the goal of the collaboration between Volkswagen and German start-up Revoltech GmbH.

100% organic-based leather alternative from industrial hemp
Together with the start-up, the Volkswagen brand's pre-development team is working on a material innovation to replace faux leather.
Specifically, the project involves a material made from industrial hemp grown for the food industry. It is a single-layer, all-natural and 100 percent organic surface material called LOVR™ (the letters stand for leather-free, oil-free, vegan and residue-based) developed specifically for the automotive industry.
Specifically, the project involves a material made from industrial hemp grown for the food industry. It is a single-layer, all-natural and 100 percent organic surface material called LOVR™ (the letters stand for leather-free, oil-free, vegan and residue-based) developed specifically for the automotive industry.
Circular material
Hemp fibers and a fully organic adhesive are combined using special technology and processed to arrive at a surface material.
In line with circular economy principles, this material comes from regional hemp fields and is fully recyclable or compostable once it reaches the end of its useful life in a car. It is produced from hemp industry residues that no longer have any use. In addition, it can be processed in existing industrial plants, thus enabling rapid scalability, and is therefore also suitable for use in large-scale production.
Potential applications
The development work involves the materials technology, design and component development departments of Volkswagen, Volkswagen Group Innovation and the start-up Revoltech GmbH. The parties are pooling their respective know-how and evaluating potential applications.
The material, which has received very positive feedback from customer surveys, could be introduced on Volkswagen vehicles starting in 2028.