MINI adopts recycled knit materials for next-generation interiors

BMW Group reports that MINI is rolling out interiors made from recycled knit materials, cutting CO2e and supporting circular design. Read the details.

MINI continues to pursue its sustainability strategy through concrete production decisions rather than abstract statements. In the latest generation of models, the interior has become a key area for this transformation, with innovative textile materials playing a central role. The brand’s long-standing “Less is more” philosophy is reflected in a clear focus on functionality, design, and environmental responsibility.

At the heart of the new interiors is a knitted material made from 92% recycled polyester. It is used for the dashboard, door panels, and centre console lid, replacing conventional leather surfaces entirely. According to MINI, the use of secondary materials significantly reduces CO₂e emissions and water consumption compared to primary raw materials, in line with the company’s “Secondary First” principle.

The textile solution is not only a sustainability measure but also a design statement. Its specially developed two-layer structure creates a distinctive depth effect, as the colour of the lower layer subtly shines through the upper surface. Inspired by sneaker design, the material adds visual complexity while meeting automotive requirements such as abrasion resistance, structural reinforcement, and long-term durability.

This technology is already extending beyond the MINI brand. In the new BMW iX3, the first production model of the Neue Klasse, a similar knitted material is used in the instrument panel of the Contemporary trim, featuring 75% recycled content. Unlike MINI, where light is projected onto the dashboard, the BMW iX3 uses rear illumination. The knit pattern was therefore designed to be more translucent, allowing the backlighting to become an integral part of the interior design.

BMW Group highlights that bringing this textile solution to series production required close cooperation between internal teams and external partners. Cross-industry and cross-department collaboration proved essential in translating sustainability ambitions into a market-ready product. This effort has been recognised by the industry: MINI Knit received the SPE Automotive Award 2025 and the Grand Award in the Body Interior category, one of the most prestigious honours in automotive materials.

The introduction of recycled knit materials in MINI models and the BMW iX3 illustrates how the principles of Design for Circularity are increasingly being implemented in real vehicles. As the technology is scaled across brands and model lines, it signals a broader shift toward making recycled materials a standard feature in future premium interiors.