Scottish Leather Group opens BioPRO foam plant in Glasgow

Scottish Leather Group (SLG) has opened a 75,000 sq ft production facility in Glasgow dedicated to manufacturing BioPRO, its protein-based recoverable moulded foam for automotive seating. The site will support Bridge of Weir Leather, SLG’s premium automotive brand, in scaling BioPRO supply to global automakers.

BioPRO incorporates protein recovered as a by-product of SLG’s manufacturing process, with a 20% protein content formulated to replace chemicals including melamine, bromine, titanium phosphate, graphite and PFAS. Each unit is moulded to specification, removing the waste and weight associated with conventional cut foam. At end of life, the material can be recovered through acidolysis for potential reuse. The product was first introduced in aviation by Muirhead, SLG’s sister brand, and has received a nomination for the Earthshot Prize.

Nicholas Muirhead, Chief Executive of Scottish Leather Group, said: “Our new BioPRO facility allows us to take design, engineering and production capabilities to a new level, with our teams operating together in one location to support collaboration and innovation. This investment not only strengthens our manufacturing operations but also creates opportunities within the local community and secures the future of this historic building. For decades, we have been proud to support our automotive partners as they work to reduce the environmental impact of their interiors. Following on from new tanning technologies that we introduced in 2024, BioPRO is the next step in sustainable seating materials and producing it in a facility shaped by more than 150 years of manufacturing heritage feels fitting.”

Source: Scottish Leather Group