Antolin, a key player in automotive interior solutions, has introduced persiSKIN AUTO®, a plant-based material developed in partnership with Spanish startup PersiSKIN. This innovative material is created from persimmon waste and provides an eco-friendly, high-performance alternative to traditional leather and synthetic coverings in vehicle interiors.
persiSKIN AUTO® is produced from persimmon waste, a byproduct of the fruit’s harvest, with around 50% of the fruit typically going unused. Antolin has transformed this waste into a material containing up to 80% biological content, offering a high-performance and eco-friendly option for car interiors. The material can be customised in terms of texture, finish, and design, allowing it to be tailored to specific customer preferences.
In addition to minimising environmental impact by reducing chemical and water usage, the production of persiSKIN AUTO® offers economic benefits to farmers dedicated to persimmon cultivation. The project makes use of residual material from surplus harvests, ensuring that it does not affect food consumption. By turning otherwise unused waste into a valuable raw material, the project supports local agriculture and ensures year-round availability of materials.
The material is expected to be ready for application in vehicle door panels, instrument panels, consoles, and seats by 2025, following the completion of functional validation tests. Several automakers have already expressed interest, and Antolin is collaborating with a major European car brand to integrate persiSKIN AUTO® into a new model scheduled for launch in 2028.
This development marks a significant step toward more sustainable automotive production, aligning with the industry’s growing focus on environmental responsibility. Antolin continues to refine the material’s formula, aiming to increase the use of persimmon waste, further supporting the industry’s decarbonisation efforts.