Hyundai CRADLE Partners with UNCAGED Innovations to Develop Sustainable Leather Alternatives for Vehicles - CleanTechnica

Hyundai CRADLE, the global open innovation hub of Hyundai Motor Group, has partnered with UNCAGED Innovations to develop sustainable, animal-free leather alternatives for vehicle interiors. This collaboration aims to produce high-performance, bio-based leather that significantly reduces environmental impact compared to traditional animal leather. The grain-based biomaterial developed through this partnership cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 95%, water usage by 89%, and energy consumption by 71%, while maintaining the texture, durability, and luxurious quality required for automotive interiors. UNCAGED Innovations utilizes its proprietary BioFuze technology platform to create a leather alternative called ELEVATE, which mimics the molecular structure and performance of animal hides by using grain proteins fused with plant-based elements. This approach differs from carbohydrate-based competitors by replicating collagen’s scaffolding function, essential for leather’s qualities. Hyundai CRADLE values UNCAGED’s sustainable manufacturing process that minimizes chemical inputs and uses natural dyes, aligning with Hyundai Motor Group’s strategy to prioritize high bio-content and environmentally responsible