Materials company Dow is to deploy a new silicone leather for vehicle interiors, developed in conjunction with Human Horizons, a mobility and intelligent technology company with which it has an innovation partnership.
Dow claims that the unique molecular structure of silicone matches consumer demands for leather in terms of softness, moisture permeability, stability and environmental friendliness. The company says it applies an advanced liquid silicone rubber technology to provide stain resistance, soft touch feeling and strong weatherability. Significantly, it states that the materials have no odor and low volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Human Horizons founder and CEO Ding Lei said, “We realize that electrification alone is not enough; sustainability is at the core of our business and drives our approach. Our commitment is to rethink sustainability and to incorporate technology-driven and cruelty-free materials to produce better vehicles to better serve customers holistically. Future success depends on a commitment to sustaining the environment, our users and our communities. The partnership with Dow is based on this concept of innovation. As a result, we will continue to collaborate on meaningful, technologically advanced developments to refine a new luxury that is sustainable.”
Both companies have worked together to release 12 other products, six of which have been implemented in the Human Horizons’ HiPhi X model, including acoustic foams and thermal interface materials.
“We’re using our material science to innovate more sustainable solutions for our customers and the planet,” said Weiguang Yao, Asia Pacific CTO of Dow. “The transportation industry is undergoing its most significant transformation now, which pushes vehicle safety, intelligence, health and comfort standards to new heights. That presents a new frontier for material science and innovation where Dow’s MobilityScience platform steps in – working closely with partners like Human Horizons to bring innovative and more environmentally friendly solutions to the transportation industry.”
