Look good, feel good, do good: Elmo talks innovation in sustainable leather

While the automotive industry certainly has its mainstays, it would be wrong to assume the same old materials are going into the cars of tomorrow. From sourcing and processing to the handling of scrap, there is a huge degree of innovation – and not necessarily behind closed doors. Indeed, one supplier has formed a dedicated design show to highlight just how much is changing.

The annual International Automotive Leather Design Show is run by the Elmo and Brusarosco brands within the Rino Mastrotto group, this year in partnership with Morelab, the group’s Tuscany-based studio that specialises in customisation for luxury and fashion sectors. This year’s theme ‘In Balance’ highlights the beauty and symbiosis of seemingly opposing constructs, with three sub-themes that crystalise trends, product advances and opportunities the design teams have observed.

 “We carefully gather insights from our customers and engage with our partners on the latest trends,” explains Janne B Liess, design and development manager for North America at Elmo. “We draw inspiration from leading trade fairs and exhibitions and collaborate closely with our technicians to explore innovations in product technologies. In today’s interior landscape, integrating our latest sustainable solutions and leveraging compelling storytelling is just as important as showcasing new tangible product developments.”

The first theme is ‘Digital Zen’ which brings into light the topic of autonomous driving. This has a closer bearing on CMF than many might realise: designers must find a harmony between digital technology and authentic materials, curating an experience that is conducive to both mental and physical comfort. Digital overload could lead to a lack of emotional connection with the vehicle, but leather “can provide authenticity in the digital age of interior design,” explains Helena Bonving, design and development manager for Europe at Elmo.

‘Infinity’ celebrates the synergies between nature and mankind and nods to the creation of beautiful leather products by hand and machine. “Leather, the upcycling of a bio-based material made by nature, is one of the oldest circular economies in the world,” says Liess. “In the theme ‘Infinity’, our leather facilitates a bridge between nature and mankind: made by nature, sustainably crafted by Elmo and Brusarosco.”

The final theme ‘Tomorrow’s Heritage’ centres on the balance between craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation – a merging of old and new. Bonving explains that leather is “the fulcrum between traditional craftsmanship and pioneering technology. In combination, these sub-themes invite OEM designers to explore thoughtful, sustainable and future-oriented solutions for the next generation of mobility.”

“The common thread interlinking all three sub-themes is our leather,” points out Bonving. Indeed, all three of these themes look not only at past and current trends but also present the latest innovations in leather. In particular, Brusarosco’s Innovative Finishing System (IFS) and Elmo’s next-generation sustainable material Elmosoft III, which leverages a bio-based tanning technology to create an aldehyde-free product.

Developed by Brusarosco's research team, the IFS is a next-generation finishing technology that enhances the natural softness and durability of any nappa leather. "It redefines how leather performs and feels throughout its lifecycle," explains Liess, "optimising both aesthetic appeal and functional durability during the most demanding applications – from lamination to final upholstery."

With IFS, the behaviour of the material is improved across each phase of production and through to end-use, meaning the benefits are felt not only by the designers who enjoy superior cutting performance and minimal waste, but also the end customer – and those who inherit the product years down the line. As Bonving puts it: "This is a transformative solution that enhances value while embracing sustainability.”

By this juncture, the significance of sustainability should need no further explanation and has quickly become a top priority alongside tactility and aesthetics. “Our clients deeply value responsible design alongside technical advancement and materials that speak to the senses,” Bonving continues. “Sustainability is part of our DNA and with our industry leading ‘Zero Waste Leather®’ concept we facilitate value propositions crafted by 100% circular manufacturing and 0% landfill, fusing natural sustainability with authentic luxury.”

Meanwhile, the latest evolution of the Elmosoft line, Elmosoft III, brings a touch of luxury and draws on expertise beyond automotive. "It offers a refined, semi-aniline touch once reserved for high-end residential furniture," explains Liess, "now recalibrated for the sensorial needs of next-generation mobility." This is no trivial matter with rising expectations for interior quality even in entry-level vehicles. In the past, attaining those up-market qualities alongside sustainable credentials was a challenge. Not so now.

Indeed, a key component to Elmosoft III is its bio-based tanning which draws on natural by-products from the food industry. The result is a leather that is metal and aldehyde-free. "This development reflects our continued focus on environmental responsibility, craftsmanship and innovation," emphasises Bonving, "delivering leather that looks good, feels good and does good."

The partnership with Morelab has been crucial in curating all customisation concepts and enrichments for the ‘In Balance’ show, explains Liess. “When it comes to textures and bespoke solutions, their cutting-edge techniques, applied across industries from luxury fashion to automotive and mobility, allow us to stay ahead of the curve,” she says, “and bring the latest trends into our leather offerings. This cross-industry insight gives us the flexibility to inspire, adapt, and co-create.”

The show will run in multiple markets in Europe and North America through to the end of 2025 and is already proving a vital forum to share ideas and learn from one another. 

“Ultimately, the OEM designers we meet are both a source of inspiration and collaboration. It’s common for ideas born during our design show conversations to grow into tailored solutions, with clients inviting us to develop them further for future projects,” says Bonving. “This ensures that every theme we curate is not only trend-driven but also grounded in real-world needs, providing tangible value for our customers.”