In 2015, Toray became the world’s first plant-based nonwoven suede manufacturer, and today more than half of their sales volume is of their more environmentally conscious material. The Apure shuttle, realized in partnership with German design firm Neomind, is a key milestone in Toray’s push for a fully plant-based reality.
This self-driving shuttle concept is a flexible, on-demand mobility solution that aims to set a new standard in public transportation. Combining Neomind’s extensive experience in public transport design with Toray’s innovative materials and RMV’s mobility expertise, the resulting concept is expected to boost the attractiveness of public transport and boost the future adoption of autonomous shuttle services.
The Apure name stands for Autonomous Premium Urban Riding Ecosystem, and it was conceived to offer a premium experience for passengers. Not only in the conventional sense – soft to the touch, easy on the eye and pleasant-smelling – but also in terms of performance. Materials in a shared autonomous shuttle would be subjected to more frequent use than a typical private car, and must be super durable. There is another crucial consideration beyond this, though: wellbeing and mental comfort.
The choice of materials and colors plays a huge role in defining passenger moods. They should encourage a feeling of tranquility and calm, something that conventional suede has done for decades. Toray says their partially plant-based alternative amply meets that need: “The space feels like a living room thanks to soft lighting and new upholstery, offering a refreshing change from standard bus interiors”.
A calming mix of sage green, cream, and natural wood adorns the interior of the shuttle, teamed with dark seat covers and fluted units along the walls and window frames. It combines well and does indeed evoke the feeling of a wellness retreat. All upholstery fabric used in the shuttle’s interior is made entirely of partially plant-based material, highlighting its versatility. The seats feature Ultrasuede Nu, designed to replicate a premium aniline leather, while the interior surfaces and pillars use the Ultrasuede suede alternative. Foam padding and flame-retardant shielding, along with various other materials, also employ a mix of plant-based material from Toray.
In September 2024, the Apure concept won a Red Dot design award for its “eco-conscious interior design, partially plant-based and recycled materials and practical layout, balancing high capacity, safety and comfort”. A prototype was on show at InnoTrans in Berlin, and Toray says they will continue to develop their synthetic organic and polymer chemistry, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.
