Kia’s designers used hemp, flax and mushrooms to create the Concept EV2 interior.
Showcased at Kia’s Transcend Journey exhibit at Milan Design Week 2025 last week, it reflects Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy; blending compact dimensions with spacious flexibility that the company says The space is “highly functional and environmentally conscious, responding to the demands of urban life.”
Mycelium, however, is a topic that is discussed in detail. Mycelium, the threadlike root structure of a fungal organism is called. The concept EV2 uses two different types of mycelia.
First, a polyurethane-infused with mycelium (PU) is applied over the entire light blue surface of the interior. Fine brown speckles – actual mycelium particles – are embedded throughout, adding natural texture and depth,” says Kia. The second material is made of a volume that has been grown by the mycelium cell, which binds cellulose from waste agricultural into a solid structure.
According to the company, the natural insulation properties of this material make it perfect for the use in door armrests. This demonstrates function and environmental concern.
Flax has been used to create key structural elements within the Concept EV2 cabin. These include the shells of the rear seat and the substructures for the front seats. In temperate climates, flax is grown as both a fiber and food crop.
Although it would be nice to have seen more details on Kia’s use of the hemp plant, it’s wonderful to see that another automaker is considering its potential as an eco-friendly replacement for fossil fuel based polymers which pose a serious threat to ecosystems.
Kia is not the first. Ford created a hemp material in 1941. Ford didn’t use it in their production cars for unknown reasons. BMW began experimenting with hemp a few years ago, while Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire Mulholland contains hemp-based components.
In September last year, Volkswagen announced a partnership with Germany’s Revoltech to research and develop materials based on industrial hemp waste – including imitation leather.
Industrial hemp can be used to make bioplastics, textiles and even vehicles.