Lear Corporation, the global automotive technology leader in seating and e-systems headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, will premier its premium and fully recyclable ReNewKnit sueded material for seating and door panel applications with a global automaker in 2024.

ReNewKnit, a sueded warp knit, is described as a Lear exclusive, first-to-market automotive textile that is fully recyclable at its end of life. Manufactured solely with recycled materials at Lear facilities using 100% renewable electricity, it further strengthens the company’s sustainable solutions technology portfolio while supporting its carbon reduction goals.

“At Lear, we are positioning our surface material offerings to what we believe is the future – a global circular economy where repurposed textiles can be infinitely recycled to become the ultimate raw material for sustainable manufacturing and design,” said Frank Orsini, president of Lear’s Seating business.

Composed of 100% recycled plastic bottles, ReNewKnit fabrics are composed of polyester yarns and finished with a foam-free, recycled fleece backing that further reduces water and energy consumption in the manufacturing process.

The material will challenge perceptions of reused and recycled textiles with a wide range of surfaces suitable for various interior applications and improved functionality.

“ReNewKnit aligns with the vision automakers have for offering a premium look and feel without sacrificing the sense of luxury and performance expected from a suede-like material,” Orsini said.

Developed by Lear company Guilford Performance Textiles, ReNewKnit will be manufactured at company facilities in the United Kingdom and Poland.

www.lear.com