Mercedes creates fake leather from old tyres

Not everything related to the launch of a new hypercar is about design and performance.

At the recent reveal of the stunning AMG GT XX concept, Mercedes said it could turn old GT3 tyres into a leather alternative.

The cowhide replacement, known as ‘Labfiber Biotech Leather Alternative’, was a joint effort between Mercedes and American start-up, Modern Meadow. The two companies are now working together to put rubber-based leather into production cars. 

How it’s done

The process starts by breaking the worn tyres into granules, then combining those with biomethane from agricultural waste to create pyrolysis oil. This is subsequently turned into plastic microfibres used to create the new textile.

However, this textile must be treated with vegetable proteins and bio-based polymers before it starts to resemble leather. Unlike artificial leather, Mercedes reckons its alternative genuinely mimics the collagen structure of cowhide. It can even go through the same tanning processes to create something that looks and feels like cowhide. 

Evidently one recycled tyre forms the basis of roughly four square metres of Labfiber. Moreover, the final product can have different surface finishes. It can be made to resemble nubuck leather, full-grain leather or suede. And it is available in a mix of colours and textures. Other advantages? It is twice as strong as leather, is waterproof and doesn’t heat up much in summer. 

Any downsides?

Turning a tyre into leather does take time, especially the chemical processing involved to make the raw textile. However, material experts say it takes just as long as the tanning process for real leather. 

When Mercedes will start offering the Labfiber as an alternative to genuine leather is unclear. Hopefully, it will be available for the unveiling of the production AMG GT XX, due out next year.