Modern Meadow Partners With Mercedes-Benz to Develop Animal-Free Car Interiors

US-based sustainable materials producer Modern Meadow has partnered with Mercedes-Benz to develop an animal-free leather alternative for the CONCEPT AMG GT XX program. The material, called INNOVERA, contains chemically recycled AMG GT3 racing car tires, plant-based proteins, and biopolymers. It replicates the key properties of traditional leather, offering design freedom, different finishes, colors, and haptics. The aim is to further develop the material for series production, with one scrap tire reportedly providing the basis for around four square meters of the leather alternative.

INNOVERA by Modern Meadow is a sustainable material with more than 80% renewable carbon content that does not require special preservation or storage conditions. It is adaptable to standard manufacturing processes and available across various industries such as furniture, automotive, fashion, footwear, and accessories. The CEO of Modern Meadow, David Williamson, highlighted the balance of beauty, performance, and sustainability achieved with INNOVERA, stating that the material looks and feels as good as it performs, making it a versatile option for luxury leather alternatives in automotive interiors.