Hyundai CRADLE, the global open innovation hub of Hyundai Motor Group, partnered with UNCAGED Innovations, a biomaterials company specializing in next-generation leather alternatives. The collaboration aims to create sustainable, animal-free leather for automotive interiors using grain byproducts.
The initiative reflects Hyundai Motor Group’s leadership in material innovation and its commitment to environmental responsibility, advancing the development of scalable solutions for sustainable mobility.
The companies will co-develop high-performance, bio-based leather alternatives to replace traditional leather in vehicle interiors. According to Hyundai, the new material offers substantial environmental benefits, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 95%, water use by 89%, and energy consumption by 71% compared to conventional leather, while retaining durability, texture, and premium quality.
Brendon Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai CRADLE Silicon Valley, said UNCAGED’s grain-based protein leather alternative stood out for its unique molecular design and production process, which lowers environmental impact and meets the demanding standards of automotive interiors. He noted the company’s strategy aligns with Hyundai’s material sustainability goals, including high bio content and minimal chemical use.
UNCAGED Innovations’ proprietary technology platform, BioFuze, underpins its ELEVATE leather alternative. The material fuses grain proteins with other plant-based elements to replicate the structural functions of collagen, the primary protein found in animal hides. Unlike carbohydrate-based alternatives, this approach creates a leather substitute that closely mimics the performance of animal leather.
Stephanie Downs, CEO and co-founder of UNCAGED Innovations, said Hyundai’s commitment to sustainable, animal-free materials makes them an ideal partner to scale the technology for automotive manufacturing. She emphasized that the project’s focus on interiors, which require the highest durability and quality standards, demonstrates the strength of the platform, with potential applications across multiple industries.
The partnership marks another step in Hyundai Motor Group’s efforts to integrate innovative, eco-friendly materials into its vehicles and contribute to broader industry adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices.
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