Muirhead reveals 2023 design directions for aviation leather
Bridge of Weir based Muirhead - supplier of the lowest carbon high performance leather to airlines and seat manufacturers - has today unveiled its newest design directions for aviation leather.
Image courtesy Muirhead
The new conceptual collection – which revolves around the theme ‘ReWILDing’ – was inspired by the firm’s Scottish provenance and unwavering commitment to sustainability and circularity. The theme will take centre stage on Muirhead’s stand at the highly anticipated Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg this year, as part of its interactive Design Garden studio.
Based on extensive industry insights from market intelligence agencies, and drawing inspiration from cross-industry material and fashion developments, Muirhead’s new design directions reflect some of the latest and most influential design trends in 2023. These include sustainability, technology, and biophilic design.
The ReWILDing concept, developed by Muirhead’s in-house design experts, champions the importance of biophilic design principles that showcase the connection between nature and human well-being.
Debra Choong, Design Manager at Muirhead and the Scottish Leather Group, said: “Every day, our in-house design experts work closely with airlines and manufacturers to co-create the perfect leather for their needs. To guide them through this process, we offer fresh insight around the latest cross-industry design and material trends, and translate these into conceptual designs to further inspire, challenge, and excite our customers.
“Our ReWILDing concept is a seamless blend of contemporary ideas, such as biophilic design, and further inspiration from our own surroundings. Not only have we pioneered circular leather manufacturing by recovering energy and by-products from process waste and end-of-life leather but we’re also proud to be surrounded by Scotland’s epic landscapes and pristine wilderness. With that, it’s no surprise sustainability and Scottish nature were both integral to Muirhead’s design directions this year.
“At its core, ReWILDing is about restoring natural ecosystems with the reintroduction of native species. We have further distilled this into three new design directions, which respond to the challenges of the 21st century – ensuring our valued customers can stay ahead of the curve and that the designs we create today remain relevant for the next decade.”
The ReWILDing collection translates the prevailing industry trends into three aesthetic design directions, helping customers make informed choices when it comes to finding the perfect colours, materials, and finishes for their genuine leather interiors. Each design direction takes inspiration from one of Scotland’s unique and distinctive habitats:
Mountains & Moorlands. With romantic undertones conveyed through a hazy colour palette of ethereal hues and pigments, this holistic approach promotes healing, connection, and creativity. Designed for a world where health and well-being are paramount, it invokes a sense of relaxation and offers an escape from the everyday, by blending reality with the imaginary.
Wetlands. This direction draws inspiration from the principles of biomimicry to tell a story of balance and contrast. Its earthly, grounded tones evoke an earth-bound narrative, which neatly captures the growing interest in natural products and highlights the traditional craft of upcycling rawhides – a natural by-product of the food industry – into aesthetic and durable materials.
Grasslands. With a highly energised palette and dynamic contrast, this direction is inspired by the weird and wonderful aspects of nature. The nuanced brights represent recycled and reclaimed materials, challenging the waste culture and encouraging visible rejuvenation. The mood is lively and bold, embracing change and transformation – while the use of natural hues promotes a sense of grounding and connection with the environment.
ReWILDing emphasises the role of sustainable manufacturing processes – as well as the use of long-lasting, reusable materials – in minimising the impact on the natural environment. The concept echoes Muirhead’s enduring dedication to circularity, exemplified by its pioneering Thermal Energy and Ultrafiltration plants.
At AIX 2023, Muirhead’s Design Garden will entice visitors with an interactive, multisensory experience, designed to showcase the lifecycle of the lowest carbon leather and its effect on the design process – from raw materials to end-of-life recycling. Visitors will also be able to learn more about Muirhead’s high performance leather products, including its lightweight, full substance LightCore innovation.
Muirhead specialises in creating bespoke products to elevate its customers’ brands. With full control of the process from natural raw material sourcing to finished product, the company is well known for its colour expertise and its ability to develop custom dyes and finishes to match the customer’s exact specifications.
In addition to colour, Muirhead’s cutting-edge, in-house facilities also include textures, patterns, perforations and branding. The manufacturer can emboss, deboss, perforate, semi-perforate and even digitally print leather in full colour.
Muirhead, established in 1840, is a Scottish Leather Group business and one of Europe’s oldest tanneries, which is widely recognised as a leader in responsible and future-looking innovation of a versatile range of Fine Scottish Leather, for a select group of prestigious global brands.