Less greenhouse gas, less animal suffering: Volvo bans leather from his cars. The first car without cowhide is coming soon.
Volvo wants to completely do without leather in its cars from 2030. The first new model without animal skin is the electric one Crossover Coupé C40, the new XC90 will follow next year. At the end of the decade, the brand should then be completely leather-free and electric. The Swedish car manufacturer wants to live up to its responsibility for animal welfare. In addition, according to the company, the negative ecological consequences of cattle breeding also play a role - from forest clearing to methane emissions.
Sustainability
Instead of leather, novel materials such as the so-called "Nordico" are to be used, which are made from old PET plastic bottles, among other things. According to Volvo design chief Robin Page, the material looks similar to conventional leather, but is a little softer. In addition, the Group intends to use more sustainable materials in the future. From 2025, 25 percent of all materials should be recycled or consist of biological substances, at this point all suppliers must rely entirely on renewable energies. Production in a closed circular economy is planned from 2040.
Tesla the vegetarian pioneer
Volvo isn't the first premium automaker to recognize the vegetarian car trend. Audi, BMW and Mini have already announced that they will do without leather in the future. However, the plans are apparently not yet as concrete as with the Swedes. Next is Tesla, where completely leather-free equipment has been available on request since 2016. In addition, many smaller cars and models from high-volume brands have been able to do without leather for a long time. In these cases, however, the waiver is not made for ethical reasons, but for cost considerations. Because leather is more expensive than plastic and fabric. Animal skin can also be avoided in the top price range - because Bentley or Rolls-Royce customers can choose almost everything themselves when it comes to the interior fittings of their hand-made models.
On the other hand, it becomes difficult for vegan car buyers who place the same strict requirements on their vehicle as they do on themselves. Because non-vegan substances can hide in the vehicle in places where you would not suspect it. For example, wool can be added to fabric covers, and animal fats may even be found in lubricants. And beeswax can be part of paints and polishes.