Pangea Made

In the past decade, there have been several innovations in leather and leather alternatives, especially driven by sustainability, durability, and aesthetics. Some of which include: ??????-?????????? & ?????????????????????? ?????????????? ??????????????????????????? Mycelium Leather: Made from fungal mycelium, these materials attempt to replicate the texture and durability of genuine leather with claims of being biodegradable and produced with minimal environmental impact. ?? Plant-Based Leathers: Innovations using cactus, grape skins, and other plant fibers to create vegan and a potentially aesthetically comparable alternative to leather. ?? Lab-Grown Leather: Uses cultured animal cells to grow leather without the need for livestock, reducing environmental footprint. ?? Many are in development and claiming to be viable for interior trims, seating, and dashboards. Do they offer similar wear resistance to traditional leather? Are they truly lighter while passing your specifications? Let us know your experience! Or -- if you're ready to go back to tried and true, Pangea can help you create innovative parts that look beautiful AND last half-a-lifetime (depending on your biodegradability desires ?? )

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Reflecting on our journey over the past year, we're proud to share the strides we've made in sustainability at Pangea. In 2023, we achieved a 16% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, decreasing our corporate average from 1.14 kgCO?e/m2 to 0.96 kgCO?e/m2 of finished leather. Our energy consumption decreased by approximately 5%, and we reduced water usage by over 10%, showcasing our commitment to resource conservation. Additionally, nearly 20% of the chemicals we used were composed of natural components and renewable sources, and we recycled nearly 20% more waste than the previous year. Looking ahead, our 2024 Sustainability Report will focus on our zero-waste initiative in leather shaving operations. By the end of 2024, our León, Mexico plant had this initiative fully implemented, transforming leather shavings into biostimulants for sustainable fertilizers. This effort underscores our dedication to innovative, circular solutions in the leather industry. We invite you to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future. Stay tuned for the full report and more updates on our initiatives.

?? Celebrating Excellence at Pangea! ?? We are incredibly proud to recognize five outstanding leaders who have made a lasting impact on Pangea through their dedication, expertise, and passion. Their contributions have driven innovation, sustainability, efficiency, and brand excellence, shaping the future of our industry. ?? Jan Wojtas – A lifetime commitment to leather manufacturing and cutting utilization, continuously improving our processes. ?? Roger A Pinto Pinto – Transforming Pangea’s sustainability efforts and leading the way in industry-recognized reporting and credibility. ?? Jacquelyn Smith, PMP Smith – Elevating Pangea’s brand leadership through partnership on sustainability promotion, brand campaigns, and social marketing. ?? Bob Tuuk – Driving significant cost savings and production improvements through his leadership skills and strategic market insights. ?? Laurie Busch – Setting new standards in leather design, winning new business, and inspiring creativity and innovation -- what a lovely way to start retirement. Please join us in celebrating these teammates for their achievements! Their leadership and dedication continue to push Pangea forward, creating real value for our customers and the industry. ?? #Pangea #Leadership #Innovation #Sustainability #Excellence #Teamwork

?? The Future of Automotive Design is Earth-Centric ???? As sustainability continues to drive innovation, automotive brands have an opportunity to connect with consumers on a deeper level—by embracing natural materials, organic textures, and earth-inspired aesthetics. WGSN’s Earth-Centric capsule resonates with eco-conscious customers, blending durability, beauty, and sustainability into one cohesive vision. For CMF & interiors, this can include: ? Bark, moss, and foliage-inspired textures for tactile, nature-driven experiences ? Camo patterns and fluid landscape curves for organic, seamless design aesthetics ? Embroidery and tufted quilting techniques that add craftsmanship and authenticity ? Rich earth tones and natural patinas to evoke warmth and longevity At Pangea, we understand the growing demand for material solutions that not only enhance vehicle aesthetics but also contribute to a more sustainable future. By leveraging innovative, earth-inspired materials, automotive brands can create interiors that connect drivers to nature while prioritizing circularity and responsible sourcing. The road ahead is clear: Nature is not just an inspiration—it’s a design philosophy. ???? Let’s collaborate. If you would like to learn more about the latest WGSN capsules – and how they can support designing for your brand, contact a Pangea designer today!?

While alternative materials—such as bio-based, synthetic, and vegan leathers—are on the rise due to sustainability trends, cost considerations, and regulatory pressures, their performance characteristics must be carefully evaluated. Here’s what matters: ?? Durability & Longevity: Genuine leather is known for high wear resistance, while some alternative materials may degrade faster under UV exposure and frequent use. PU- and PVC-based synthetics can show cracking, peeling, or fading over time. ??? Temperature & Climate Resistance: Automotive interiors face extreme heat, cold, and humidity—materials must resist shrinking, hardening, or softening in these conditions. Not all vegan materials maintain structural integrity under these fluctuations. ?? Sustainability & Compliance: While bio-based and recycled materials reduce environmental impact, some alternatives use petrochemical-based coatings, raising sustainability concerns. EU Deforestation Regulations require traceability for genuine leather, but alternative material sustainability claims must also be verified. ??? Manufacturing & Integration: OEMs require seamless processing with cutting, stitching, and bonding technologies. Some new materials struggle to match flexibility, adhesion, or embossing capabilities of traditional leather. ?? Cost vs. Performance Trade-offs: Some alternatives may have lower initial costs but higher replacement or warranty risks due to performance issues. Genuine leather remains a premium option with proven longevity, though its price fluctuates with global supply factors. Trendy alternative materials offer new possibilities, but OEM buyers must critically assess whether they truly meet long-term performance expectations. Balancing durability, compliance, and sustainability will be key to future material strategies. At the end of the day - do you value material origin or performance? Does there need to be a compromise between the two?

?? Revolutionizing Automotive Interiors with Pulvera ??? Automotive manufacturers, engineers, and designers—what if you could elevate your vehicle interiors with a premium, sustainable, and high-performing material that redefines what’s possible in automotive leather? Meet Pulvera, Pangea’s latest innovation—a highly bio-based leather that blends cutting-edge sustainability with uncompromising performance. Why Pulvera Stands Out: ? 85-95% Bio-Based – Unlike synthetics, Pulvera maximizes renewable content while maintaining durability and luxury. ? Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) – A sustainable choice that helps reduce environmental impact. ? Designed for Automotive Excellence – Meets and exceeds the rigorous standards for OEM applications, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and longevity. ? Circular Economy Ready – Derived from natural materials, Pulvera supports a sustainable future without adding to fossil fuel reliance. For buyers, materials managers, and design teams looking for the next evolution in automotive interiors, Pulvera delivers responsibility without compromise. ???? Let’s push the boundaries of innovation together. ?? DM us to learn more, or check out the details here: https://lnkd.in/ebkCqS_m #SustainableInnovation #AutomotiveDesign #BioBasedMaterials

?? How & Where is Pangea Leather Sourced? ?? At Pangea, we believe that premium automotive leather should not come at the expense of the planet or its people. That’s why our sourcing is guided by transparency, responsibility, and sustainability. ? LWG-Certified Tanners – Ensuring the highest environmental and ethical standards. ? Humanely Harvested – Upholding strict animal welfare practices. ? Committed to OiE & WOAH Standards – Because responsible sourcing starts with global best practices. ?? What You Won’t Find in Pangea Leather: ? No invasion of Indigenous Lands ? No sourcing from Protected Areas ? No shortcuts—just sustainable, high-quality materials for OEMs who care. Sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility. We’re proud to work with forward-thinking automotive brands that share our commitment to ethical and durable leather solutions. ?? Check out the policies and sourcing section in our sustainability report. https://lnkd.in/eJ36Z8bQ #Sustainability #ResponsibleSourcing #SupplierQuality #EcoFriendlyMaterials

We'll be back in Milan this year! Catherine Ciftci Caitlin Brennan