Bridge of Weir Leather has unveiled BioPRO, a new protein-based moulded seat foam designed for the premium automotive sector, marking the company’s latest step toward more sustainable vehicle interiors.
Credit: Bridge of Weir
Developed within the wider innovation programme of Scottish Leather Group, BioPRO contains 20% protein recovered from the company’s own manufacturing process, helping to reduce reliance on fossil-derived materials while avoiding additives such as melamine, bromine and PFAS.
The material is engineered to meet the durability and comfort requirements of high-end vehicles while also delivering sustainability benefits. According to the company, BioPRO is lightweight, naturally fire-resistant and moulded precisely to specification, enabling improved seat fit, reduced waste and tailored ergonomic performance.
The product was first introduced for aviation interiors by sister company Muirhead, and its expansion into automotive seating reflects growing demand for more responsible materials across the mobility sector.
Crucially, BioPRO has been designed with end-of-life recovery in mind, allowing seat components to be reclaimed after a vehicle’s lifecycle and supporting circular material strategies within automotive manufacturing.
Commenting on the launch, James Muirhead said the innovation reflects long-term collaboration with automotive partners seeking to reduce the environmental footprint of vehicle interiors.
“BioPRO is the next step in that journey,” he said. “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.”
He added that the development builds on wider sustainability initiatives across the Group, including new tanning technologies introduced in 2024, and opens new pathways for circular seat component design without compromising durability.
With BioPRO now entering the automotive market, Bridge of Weir aims to offer manufacturers a seating material that combines luxury performance with reduced environmental impact and improved circularity.