Muirhead, the global leader in high-performance aviation leather, has today unveiled its pioneering BioPRO® Foam — the world’s first naturally fire-resistant, protein-based aviation biofoam.
The patented innovation is made with hydrolysed collagen – a by-product of Muirhead’s own leather manufacturing process. With 20% bio-content, the product eliminates concerning substances such as melamine and PFAS (‘forever chemicals’) found in traditional seat foams, resulting in enhanced fire safety, durability, passenger comfort, and clear environmental benefits.
By combining leather seat covers and BioPRO® cushions, Muirhead now delivers a seamless, one-stop seating solution with consistent aesthetics and precise dimensions. This fully integrated approach simplifies the development process, reduces lead times, and streamlines the supply chain with a single point of contact.
Dr Warren Bowden, Head of Innovation & Sustainability at Muirhead and Scottish Leather Group, said: “By incorporating our own bio-protein into the foam’s chemistry, we’ve eliminated the need for harmful additives while improving durability. This sets a new benchmark for next-generation seat foam technology and reflects our commitment to vertically integrated, circular manufacturing.”
Muirhead chemically bonds collagen to the foam chemistry, resulting in a seat foam that is stronger, more durable, and intumescent. This process ensures the bio-content becomes a functioning part of the foam, eliminating internal abrasion and expanding its lifespan.
While traditional foams are cut from large blocks, BioPRO® is moulded to the customer’s precise specifications. This unique approach eliminates waste and offers complete customisation for airlines, seat OEMs, and airframe manufacturers. The moulded cushions ensure consistent shape and size, guaranteeing uniform aesthetics throughout the cabin.
To learn more about Muirhead BioPRO® Foam at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2025, visit Muirhead at Booth 6E95.
About Muirhead
Muirhead, established in 1840, is a Scottish Leather Group business and one of Europe’s oldest tanneries. It is widely recognised as a leader in responsible and future-looking innovation of a versatile range of High Performance Leather, for a select group of prestigious global brands. Muirhead leathers are made to travel the world – on 160 airlines, in mass transit cabins, and in the marine, furniture, and luxury goods industries.
Discover more at www.muirhead.co.uk
About the Scottish Leather Group
Scottish Leather Group comprises the world’s leading automotive, aviation, and mass transit leather makers and is the UK’s largest leather manufacturer. Its specialist businesses – Bridge of Weir Leather, Lang and Muirhead – innovate leather solutions for some of the best-known brands in automotive, aviation, mass transit, upholstery, luxury, and more. The company leads the industry in excelling in sustainability, technical excellence, and customer-centricity.
https://www.scottishleathergroup.com
