Developing Sustainable Leather Alternatives for Vehicles

• Hyundai CRADLE, Hyundai Motor Group’s global open innovation hub, is partnering with UNCAGED Innovations to develop sustainable, animal-free leather alternatives for vehicle interiors

• The grain-based biomaterial cuts greenhouse gases by 95 percent, water usage by 89 percent and energy consumption by 71 percent compared to traditional leather

SEOUL/NEW YORK — 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 high-performance, bio-based leather alternatives that replace traditional leather materials. The result is a breakthrough material that reduces resource consumption on multiple fronts, using 95 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, 89 percent less water and 71 percent less energy compared to animal-based leather — without compromising on texture, durability or luxurious 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 competitors 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.

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.