Is hemp allowed while driving?

Volkswagen plans to use 100% organic hemp to replace leather in the interiors of its cars by 2028.

No aquariums in the interiors of tomorrow’s Volkswagens, but a continued effort to replace animal leather and plastic derivatives with plant-based alternative materials such as hemp.

To achieve this, Volkswagen has announced a partnership with the German start-up Revoltech to develop sustainable materials made from hemp. The aim is to use them in Volkswagen models starting from 2028. The base material is 100% organic hemp sourced from industrial waste from the food industry.

More than animal leather, it is synthetic leather, produced from fossil fuels, that is in the crosshairs of the German manufacturer. This new natural and 100% organic material is simultaneously “leather-free,” “oil-free,” “vegan,” and “residue-based” (produced from industrial waste). Hemp fibers are combined with a fully organic adhesive solution to create a coating material. To ensure a complete virtuous cycle, the final product is fully recyclable or compostable at the end of its use in the automotive industry. Volkswagen guarantees that it is possible to supply existing industrial sites with locally produced hemp. It would indeed be a shame to transport an environmentally friendly product across the planet. Initial tests have reportedly received very positive feedback from customers during their first presentation. It remains to be seen if such a product is suitable for large-scale production.

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