Why automakers are betting on fermented spider silk for sustainable interiors

The article discusses the automotive industry's growing interest in fermented spider silk as a sustainable alternative to traditional leather for car interiors. Traditional leather, while a symbol of luxury, poses significant environmental challenges due to its resource-intensive production, chemical processing, and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. As automakers aim to meet decarbonization targets, they are exploring bio-based materials produced through industrial fermentation, where genetically engineered microbes create structural proteins similar to spider silk. These proteins can be spun into fibers that mimic leather’s look and feel but offer advantages in weight, durability, and environmental impact. This approach represents a convergence of synthetic biology, chemical engineering, and materials science, shifting the focus from fashion trends to scalable, optimized, and cost-competitive manufacturing. Automakers like Volvo and Tesla are already moving away from animal leather, reflecting broader consumer and regulatory pressures. The vegan bioleather market is expanding rapidly, projected to reach $85 billion by 2025, with applications extending beyond automotive interiors to fashion and sports equipment