Focus on recyclable monomaterials

For the first time in an automotive interior, the fully recyclable monomaterial Arfinio® is being used. The lightweight material combines a stone-like appearance with high mechanical durability and resistance to wear and UV radiation.

The seating system also follows a mono-material approach. TPU-based solutions made of Desmopan® AIR provide comfort, abrasion resistance and easy cleaning — key requirements for vehicles operating continuously in public transport.

Design for circularity

In addition to interior applications, Covestro supplies polycarbonate solutions for large-scale glazing and sensor integration. During the development phase, recycling considerations were integrated into both interior and exterior material selection, using three recyclable monomaterials: Arfinio®, TPU and polycarbonate.

By reducing material complexity and focusing on clearly defined material streams, the SUE People Mover demonstrates how circular design principles can be embedded into overall vehicle architecture — extending sustainability beyond propulsion to the material concept itself.

"With SUE, we pursued a user- and design-centered approach from the beginning," says Alexander Uedelhoven, founder and project manager of SUE and authorized signatory at UE | STUDIOS. "We wanted to develop not just a technologically advanced vehicle, but one optimally aligned with passenger needs in terms of service, information, ergonomics, and aesthetics. The materials and extensive technical expertise from Covestro gave us the freedom to implement this vision without compromises."

The project was realized in collaboration with renowned partners, including the Institute for Automotive Engineering of the Lower Saxony Research Centre for Automotive Technology (NFF), TÜV Nord, the Fraunhofer Institute EMFT, and Deutsche Bahn (DB Regio).

As initiator, project manager and vehicle manufacturer, UE | STUDIOS are responsible for the overall concept, complete development, design and production of the SUE People Mover.