Beyond the tailpipe: How Volvo Group and startups are exploring more sustainable materials

At a recent MobilityXlab event about sustainable materials, Marc Delobelle, Volvo Group’s Head of Fossil-Free Material Purchasing, laid out the challenge: with tailpipe emissions shrinking, the environmental footprint of material production – metals, plastics, and everything in between – is taking center stage. And Volvo Group is turning to startups to find answers.    

Marc's message was clear: This isn’t something that can be solved alone. “Partnership is the new leadership,” he declared, emphasizing that the company is actively seeking collaborations to find and scale up sustainable material alternatives. Connecting with agile startups is key to reshaping traditional supply chains and accelerating innovation and MobilityXlab is one meeting ground for such exchange. By enabling connections between startups and industry leaders, MobilityXlab is committed to driving a future where sustainable materials are at the core of the mobility ecosystem. 

The challenge is massive. Marc pointed out that in a lifecycle assessment of Volvo Group’s products, 95% of emissions come from the vehicle's usage, with only 4% from the materials used to make the vehicle. However, as the 95% decreases thanks to electrification, the 4% will grow in importance. The raw materials used to make the vehicles are the biggest concern.    

But the event wasn't just about identifying problems. It was a showcase for solutions, with Marc highlighting startups already making an impact in Proof of Value (PoVs) projects with Volvo Group. 

Startups like Reselo are developing advanced rubber solutions that can achieve around 50% reduction in emissions.  The emerging company participated in a multipartner project at MobilityXlab with Volvo Group, Zeekr Tech EU, Volvo Cars and Polestar to collectively explore possible applications of the more sustainable material in the production of vehicles.   

Others are pioneering the use of natural fibers as sustainable replacements for traditional materials like glass or carbon fiber.  Innovative bio-composites are also emerging as viable substitutes for conventional polymers.  

The next piece of the puzzle is finding scale. Can startups increase production to meet the demands of a global giant like Volvo Group? And can they do it fast enough to meet the group’s ambitious sustainability targets? Marc's call to action was clear: “Startups should not be shy and dare to approach us…there is agility. There is a fresh eye…and we have seen success with some of them.”    

Learn more about how Volvo Group is co-creating with startups to accelerate technology and business innovation through their innovation hub CampX by Volvo Group.