Divyank Kushagra Bansal 
Global automakers seem to be at the forefront of using sustainable materials in their products. Recently, Cupra, a subsidiary of Spanish car manufacturer Seat (owned by the Volkswagen Group), elaborated upon using natural flax fibre in the CUP bucket seats of its performance EV, the Born VZ.
Cupra claims the backrest of the new CUP bucket seats is made entirely from flax fibre, reducing CO2 emissions by 49%. Moreover, Francesca Sangalli, Head of Colour & Trim Concept & Strategy at Cupra states that “each CUP bucket seat is unique. No two pieces can ever be the same due to the orientation and length of the fibres.” It means that each Born VZ customer will have a bespoke set of seats.
Cupra is also collaborating with companies like Bcomp and Sabelt to integrate flax fibre into the structural shell of the Born VZ to reduce the use of plastics and possibly provide the same level of safety as carbon fibre.
Cupra’s commitment to sustainable materials can also be seen in the vehicle upholstery. Its base is made of SEAQUAL® YARN fabric, created from plastic waste extracted from the sea, in addition to using DINAMICA microfibre, made from 73% recycled polyester.
With this, Cupra aims to introduce and increase the use of sustainable materials in more of its models.
