Modern cars, and in particular electric ones, increasingly have a vegan interior. A trend that has multiple ecological and environmental benefits.
The arrival of cars around which we reflect on the environmental impact has changed the situation. Electrification is obviously the most visible consequence of these technology decisions.
However, another resulting trend is the gradual disappearance of leather interiors. Fabrics, faux vegan leather: manufacturers are making alternative choices that allow them to maintain a high level of quality. And above all, these new materials make it possible to reduce the environmental impact of the automobile.
Veganism is against all forms of animal abuse. This of course includes food, and more broadly the way of life. Clothes, objects, and therefore vehicle: a vegan person will live in an environment devoid of animal cruelty.
Ford was one of the first brands to release a vehicle with a 100% vegan interior. It was on the Mustang Mach-E, earning the brand an accolade from Peta, one of the world’s largest animal rights groups.
When the Polestar 2 launched, the brand also certified its interiors animal-free. This is also the case with the Tesla Model 3, which has used synthetic leather since its launch. At Renault, the Zoé uses fabrics that the brand has developed by recycling seat belts and plastic bottles.
A significant reduction in polluting emissions
In addition to animal cruelty, the production of leather and animal products is also a major source of pollution. BMW will launch vegan interiors this year after conducting a study in this direction. The Bavarian manufacturer reveals that stopping the production of leather interiors will reduce polluting emissions from this part of vehicles by 85%.
One of the best known suppliers for vegan materials is Ultrafabrics. The American-Japanese company has been producing materials replacing leather for more than 20 years. Initially, its products were substitutes, but its coatings are now moving away from animal skin.
“We never try to compare ourselves to leather”said Nicole Meier, brand director. “People are much more educated about materials, and our products of the future are much more technical. »
“Our customers’ customers are setting trends, and they want to offer the best and newest, a material that doesn’t look like leather, but is cool to the touch, doesn’t crack or peel, stays cool and absorbs body heat. I think these technical aspects speak to people. »
Ultrafabrics products consist of 50% sustainable or recycled materials. Its emissions report reveals that the manufacture of its products causes 4.6 kilos of CO2 per square meter.
Leather retains its popularity… subject to conditions
Other manufacturers, like Mercedes, have decided to continue producing leather interiors. However, the German brand does it with a partner who must respect a certain code of ethics.
“The company requires its suppliers to respect the Five Freedoms of the committee for animal welfare in farming”, explained Mercedes. These Five Freedoms, a code named Five Freedoms across the Channel, has become a benchmark for animal welfare.
However, leather has not finished appearing in our cars, since manufacturers are even doing the opposite. This is the case of Polestar, which has recognized that leather will make a comeback in the interior of its cars.
“We have overhauled the materials and processes that go into making Polestar 2, introducing updates that reduce climate impact and increase material traceability”said CEO Thomas Ingenlath.
“We require that all leather used in Polestar products meet the highest standards of animal welfare and the Five Freedoms, while being fully traceable. A new leather supplier, Bridge of Weir, meets our requirements. »
Can leather be less polluting than vegan materials?
Bridge of Weir is part of the Scottish Leather Group, whose sustainability director explains the interest from the leather industry. “One of the arguments we hear is that we raise animals for their skin”said Warren Bowden. “You wouldn’t raise an animal for 1% of its value, and the skin is about 1% of its total value. »
According to the US Department of Agriculture, skin is a by-product of animals raised for meat. Obviously defending his profession, Bowden judges that he would not be “unethical” not to use their skin.
And to rely on the figures of the ministry, which explains that if it were necessary to get rid of the skin of animals raised for meat, it would produce six million tonnes of additional CO2.
Thanks to its process of sourcing hides from the UK and Denmark, the Scottish Leather Group is the least polluting leather producer in the world. But despite this honorary title, its leather emits the equivalent of 8 kilos of CO2 per square meter.
Faced with 4.6 kilos of CO2 per square meter of synthetic materials, the pollution generated by leather is therefore much higher. This is why vegan leathers and other recycled fabrics should continue to expand in the future.
Read also
This Tesla Model S has $30,000 vegan leather upholstery
Modern cars, and in particular electric ones, increasingly have a vegan interior. A trend that has multiple ecological and environmental benefits.
The arrival of cars around which we reflect on the environmental impact has changed the situation. Electrification is obviously the most visible consequence of these technology decisions.
However, another resulting trend is the gradual disappearance of leather interiors. Fabrics, faux vegan leather: manufacturers are making alternative choices that allow them to maintain a high level of quality. And above all, these new materials make it possible to reduce the environmental impact of the automobile.
Veganism is against all forms of animal abuse. This of course includes food, and more broadly the way of life. Clothes, objects, and therefore vehicle: a vegan person will live in an environment devoid of animal cruelty.
Ford was one of the first brands to release a vehicle with a 100% vegan interior. It was on the Mustang Mach-E, earning the brand an accolade from Peta, one of the world’s largest animal rights groups.
When the Polestar 2 launched, the brand also certified its interiors animal-free. This is also the case with the Tesla Model 3, which has used synthetic leather since its launch. At Renault, the Zoé uses fabrics that the brand has developed by recycling seat belts and plastic bottles.
A significant reduction in polluting emissions
In addition to animal cruelty, the production of leather and animal products is also a major source of pollution. BMW will launch vegan interiors this year after conducting a study in this direction. The Bavarian manufacturer reveals that stopping the production of leather interiors will reduce polluting emissions from this part of vehicles by 85%.
One of the best known suppliers for vegan materials is Ultrafabrics. The American-Japanese company has been producing materials replacing leather for more than 20 years. Initially, its products were substitutes, but its coatings are now moving away from animal skin.
“We never try to compare ourselves to leather”said Nicole Meier, brand director. “People are much more educated about materials, and our products of the future are much more technical. »
“Our customers’ customers are setting trends, and they want to offer the best and newest, a material that doesn’t look like leather, but is cool to the touch, doesn’t crack or peel, stays cool and absorbs body heat. I think these technical aspects speak to people. »
Ultrafabrics products consist of 50% sustainable or recycled materials. Its emissions report reveals that the manufacture of its products causes 4.6 kilos of CO2 per square meter.
Leather retains its popularity… subject to conditions
Other manufacturers, like Mercedes, have decided to continue producing leather interiors. However, the German brand does it with a partner who must respect a certain code of ethics.
“The company requires its suppliers to respect the Five Freedoms of the committee for animal welfare in farming”, explained Mercedes. These Five Freedoms, a code named Five Freedoms across the Channel, has become a benchmark for animal welfare.
However, leather has not finished appearing in our cars, since manufacturers are even doing the opposite. This is the case of Polestar, which has recognized that leather will make a comeback in the interior of its cars.
“We have overhauled the materials and processes that go into making Polestar 2, introducing updates that reduce climate impact and increase material traceability”said CEO Thomas Ingenlath.
“We require that all leather used in Polestar products meet the highest standards of animal welfare and the Five Freedoms, while being fully traceable. A new leather supplier, Bridge of Weir, meets our requirements. »
Can leather be less polluting than vegan materials?
Bridge of Weir is part of the Scottish Leather Group, whose sustainability director explains the interest from the leather industry. “One of the arguments we hear is that we raise animals for their skin”said Warren Bowden. “You wouldn’t raise an animal for 1% of its value, and the skin is about 1% of its total value. »
According to the US Department of Agriculture, skin is a by-product of animals raised for meat. Obviously defending his profession, Bowden judges that he would not be “unethical” not to use their skin.
And to rely on the figures of the ministry, which explains that if it were necessary to get rid of the skin of animals raised for meat, it would produce six million tonnes of additional CO2.
Thanks to its process of sourcing hides from the UK and Denmark, the Scottish Leather Group is the least polluting leather producer in the world. But despite this honorary title, its leather emits the equivalent of 8 kilos of CO2 per square meter.
Faced with 4.6 kilos of CO2 per square meter of synthetic materials, the pollution generated by leather is therefore much higher. This is why vegan leathers and other recycled fabrics should continue to expand in the future.
Read also
This Tesla Model S has $30,000 vegan leather upholstery
