Post by Mercedes-Benz AG

What happens when a used racing tyre begins a second life in a Mercedes-Benz interior? In our latest episode of Tech Explained, our Techsplainer Rob Halloway explores LABFIBER – a biotechnological leather alternative that shows how premium design, material innovation and circular thinking can come together. Labfiber is one project within Tomorrow XX, a technology programme exploring the limits of technical feasibility. What is shown here reflects a current development stage and is intended to illustrate potential approaches pursued by Mercedes-Benz. The technology is not yet available and not used in series vehicles. The process starts with used Mercedes-AMG GT3 racing tyres. Through chemical recycling, together with recycled and bio-based resources, they become the basis for a new material designed to look and feel remarkably like leather. Rob takes you through the process step by step and shows how this unique material is engineered to combine premium appearance and tactile quality – with properties such as breathability, water resistance and reduced weight. Watch the full episode here: mb4.me/labfiber #MercedesBenz

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