Modern Meadow

Even its scent recalls that of real leather—yet no animals are involved. Thanks to its ability to emulate collagen, this alternative faithfully reproduces the feel, softness, and durability of traditional leather. The material, called INNOVERA™, has been selected by Mercedes-Benz to upholster the seats of its AMG GT XX concept car—a model created to explore next-generation technologies and materials, with a focus on sustainability and performance. Developed in the U.S. labs of Modern Meadow, INNOVERA™ is made from plant-based proteins, biopolymers and recycled rubber. Its structure allows for excellent pigment absorption, giving designers greater creative freedom. But its defining qualities are strength and durability: its mechanical performance meets the highest standards, even for demanding sectors like automotive. At its core lies what Modern Meadow calls the “dry white”—a base material resembling crust leather, which can be finished by tanneries into full-grain or suede, soft or structured, ready for applications in fashion and accessories. This approach allows the material to integrate seamlessly into the traditional leather supply chain, offering a versatile substrate for a wide range of treatments and finishes. From a sustainability standpoint, more than 80% of the carbon content comes from renewable sources, and INNOVERA™ is designed for full end-of-life recovery. At the end of its use, the material can be returned to Modern Meadow partner and chemical company BASF for regeneration and reuse. The result of over a decade of biomaterials research, INNOVERA™ is now Modern Meadow’s flagship product—engineered to meet real-world needs for performance and aesthetics, while preserving the tactile appeal and elegance of genuine leather.