Modern Meadow CEO on reducing auto’s carbon footprint with more sustainable materials

In this Futurride Q&A, David Williamson says that a key solution to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicle materials is the introduction of next-generation textiles that mimic leather’s look and feel while offering superior durability.
Recent developments in automotive sustainability have highlighted an urgent need to reduce the 18–22% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the creation and disposal of vehicle materials, according to David Williamson, PhD and CEO of biomaterial innovator Modern Meadow. Williamson says that a key solution is the introduction of next-generation textiles — new materials that mimic leather’s look and feel while offering superior durability and significantly reducing GHG emissions. In this Futurride Q&A, he provided insights into the future of materials and sustainable automotive manufacturing.

Futurride: How is the leather in cars contributing to GHG emissions?
Williamson: When we assess a product’s environmental footprint, we must account for more than just the emissions that come from its use — we must also consider the environmental impact of the product’s manufacturing and disposal. For combustion vehicles, roughly 80% of emissions come from their use (primarily tailpipe emissions), according to the World Economic Forum.
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