Bridge of Weir Leather Launches Revolutionary Protein-Based Automotive Seat Foam: BioPRO

Bridge of Weir Leather, the leading supplier of locally sourced, low-carbon leather to the luxury automotive sector, has unveiled BioPRO, a next-generation, protein-based moulded seat foam that offers a lower-impact alternative to traditional foam.

BioPRO contains 20 percent protein-content, a by-product of Scottish Leather Group’s (SLG) manufacturing process, and is formulated to replace harmful chemicals such as melamine, bromine, titanium phosphate, graphite and PFAS.

The foam supports automotive manufacturers in reducing fossil-derived content, improving circularity and lowering life‑cycle impact. The protein-based BioPRO is a recoverable, truly circular and sustainable material. At the end of a foam’s life in a car, the material can be recovered through an acidolysis process, creating future potential for its constituent elements to be reused.

It also offers enhanced flexibility for interior development, allowing seat properties and comfort levels to be fully tailored. BioPRO’s engineered consistency and customisable comfort offer greater design freedom to premium and performance-led brands seeking differentiation within the cabin. Each foam is moulded to an exact specification, delivering a precise fit and eliminating the material waste associated with conventional cut foams, which often require multiple parts and increase overall weight.

Originally launched for the aviation sector by Muirhead, sister company within SLG, BioPRO has already been recognised on the global stage with a nomination for the Earthshot Prize. Its introduction into automotive reinforces SLG’s leadership in responsible interior materials.

BioPRO conforms to industry requirements for automotive, aviation, rail and furniture applications, delivering a unified cross-sector solution that brings greater consistency and efficiency to interior manufacturers.

Scottish Leather Group CCO, James Muirhead, commented:
“For decades, we have been proud to support our automotive partners as they work to reduce the environmental impact of their interiors. BioPRO is the next step in that journey.

“It reflects years of commitment from our innovation team and a shared ambition with our customers to move away from fossil-derived content while maintaining the quality and comfort they expect.

“Developing more responsible material solutions is a key priority across the Group, as demonstrated by the new tanning technologies that we introduced in 2024. With BioPRO being fully recoverable at end of life, it enables new pathways for seat components without compromising durability. It represents a meaningful advancement in supporting more sustainable automotive interiors.”

With a base density beginning at 47 kg/m³, BioPRO offers weight-saving advantages while maintaining comfort and long-term performance. Thanks to its natural intumescent, fire-resistant properties, it provides manufacturers with added confidence in meeting stringent automotive safety requirements, without the need for additional fire‑retardant treatments.

Bridge of Weir’s leather continues to be chosen by the world’s leading luxury automotive manufacturers, including Aston Martin, McLaren, JLR and Polestar, recognised for its quality, durability and industry-leading environmental performance.

To find out more about Bridge of Weir Leather, visit www.bridgeofweirleather.com