The Grain-Based Biomaterial Cuts Greenhouse Gases by 95%, Water Usage by 89% and Energy Consumption by 71%
UNGAGED's grain-based protein leather alternative.
Image courtesy of Hyundai CRADLE.
Hyundai CRADLE, Hyundai Motor Group’s global open innovation hub, is entering a partnership with UNCAGED Innovations, the world’s leading biomaterials company to create sustainable, animal-free leather for automotive interiors using grain byproducts.
This collaboration reinforces the Group’s leadership in material innovation and environmental responsibility, showcasing its commitment to pioneering scalable, next-generation materials to shape the future of sustainable mobility.
The partnership focuses on co-developing bio-based leather alternatives that replace traditional leather materials. The result is a breakthrough material that reduces resource consumption on multiple fronts, using 95% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, 89% less water and 71% less energy compared to animal-based leather without compromising on texture, durability or quality.
“UNCAGED’s grain-based protein leather alternative stood out to us for its unique molecular design and manufacturing process, which allows us to drastically lower environmental impact while meeting the demanding quality and performance standards of automotive interiors,” said Brendon Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai CRADLE Silicon Valley. “UNCAGED’s approach, which minimizes chemical inputs and leverages natural resources like coffee bean shells for dyes, aligns perfectly with Hyundai Motor Group’s sustainability material strategy of prioritizing high bio content and minimal chemical use.”
UNCAGED Innovations combines its proprietary technology platform, BioFuze, with biomaterial manufacturing to create a sustainable, customizable leather alternative that mimics the texture and performance of traditional leather. Unlike alternatives that rely on carbohydrate-based designs, which lack the molecular structure to behave like skin, UNCAGED Innovations’ ELEVATE product uses grain proteins fused with other plant-based elements to replicate the scaffolding functions of collagen, the primary protein in animal hides.
“Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to sustainable
and animal-free materials makes them the ideal partner for us to advance
what’s possible in automotive manufacturing.” says Stephanie Downs, CEO
and co-founder of UNCAGED Innovations. “Automotive interiors require
the highest-possible durability and quality. Developing a scalable,
sustainable alternative for vehicle interiors underpins the strength of
the technology behind our entire platform, helping us create luxurious
and durable materials for a wide range of applications and industries.”
About UNCAGED Innovations
UNCAGED
Innovations is revolutionizing the leather industry. Using their
proprietary technology platform, BioFuze, they’ve created a sustainable,
grain-based leather alternative that feels and performs like
traditional leather without harming the planet. Compared to animal
leather, their product emits 95% fewer greenhouse gases, uses 89% less
water, and 71% less energy. Founded in 2020 by Stephanie Downs and Dr.
Xiaokun Wang, UNCAGED is reshaping the fashion, automotive, and home
goods industries. Already scaled for full production, UNCAGED has raised
$7.9 million and partnered with major fashion and automotive brands to
drive the future of sustainable luxury.
About Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai
Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based
on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance,
IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s
mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Armed with creative
thinking, cooperative communication, and the will to take on any
challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.
More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Media Center (kianewscenter.com), Genesis Newsroom
About Hyundai CRADLE
Hyundai
CRADLE was established to provide startups with the necessary global
exposure and exchange opportunities. As a set of international open
innovation hubs, Hyundai CRADLE has offices in Silicon Valley (USA), Tel
Aviv (Israel), Berlin (Germany), Beijing (China), and
Singapore. Together, they help identify and nurture promising startups
while securing strategic partnerships for the future of sustainable
mobility.
More information about Hyundai CRADLE can be found at: Hyundai CRADLE