Modern Meadow based in Nutley, New Jersey, has entered into a development partnership with Mercedes-Benz to develop materials for the Concept AMG GT XX car using Innovera, its bio-designed alternative leather.

The aim is to further develop Innovera for series production and set new standards in vehicle interiors.

Innovera consists of a combination of chemically recycled AMG GT3 racing car tyres, plant-based proteins and biopolymers and the recycling process is conducted in accordance with the mass balance approach.

For the Concept AMG GT XX, one scrap tyre provides the basis for approximately four square metres of the new, bio-designed material.

The black seat pads of the bucket seats are covered with the Nappa-look variant. The leather alternative is breathable and waterproof, as well as lighter than traditional materials. Its maximum tensile strength is also twice as high as that of traditional materials, making it very robust and high performing.

Because it replicates the key properties of the collagens found in leather, the material offers a level of design freedom equivalent to that of traditional leather and can be produced with different finishes such as nubuck, full grain or suede, and in various colours and haptics.

“At Modern Meadow, we are redefining automotive interior possibilities with Innovera, that brings beauty, performance and sustainability into perfect balance,” said Modern Meadow CEO David Williamson. “In our development partnership with Mercedes-Benz, we have used Innovera to create a new luxury leather alternative without sacrificing aesthetics, versatility and texture. It looks and feels as good as it performs.”

Modern Meadow’s Innovera achieves more than 80% renewable carbon content and is completely animal-free. It requires no special preservation or storage conditions, which reduces complexity and costs, and is adaptable to any standard manufacturing process. Modern Meadow’s commercial production capabilities make Innovera readily available to customers and simplifies supply chain issues across the furniture, automotive, fashion, footwear and accessories industries.

www.innovera-world.com