Alcantara Is So Popular In Car Interiors, The Company Can't Keep Up

If you've been inside a high dollar luxury car lately, you've probably noticed a material called Alcantara. The unique synthetic material is made of polyurethane, polyester, and microfibers, giving it increased durability and stain resistance. The suede-like material is becoming increasingly popular on cars, private jets, and even consumer goods such as the Microsoft Surface tablet. Unfortunately, the material has become too popular, andMotorTrendreports that the Italian supplier has been forced to turn down contracts.

This could explain why several Tesla Model 3 ownerscomplained about receiving cloth, rather than Alcantara in their cars. Alcantara Chairman and CEO Andrea Boragno said the company's plant in Milan can only make eight million meters a year, and the company has had to turn away around 20% of new business. The auto industry is a huge reason for the surge in demand, now representing 80% of Alcantara's business. Use of Alcantara in the auto industry has increased by at least 15% per year over the last seven years. In order to meet demand, the company is investing $368 million to double production in the next five years.