Volvo has announced that it will make all its electric cars leather-free as the brand aims to phase out the material completely from its range.
Along with other manufacturers, in recent years Volvo has been exploring the use of other materials – including wool – as a replacement for leather in its cars. However, the Swedish marque has now said that all its EVs will be free from leather going forward.
Starting with the new C40 Recharge EV, which is set to arrive in the UK at the start of next year, its battery-powered cars will be free from the animal material, and said to be ‘working actively to find high-quality and sustainable sources’ for materials.
Volvo says that its decision is driven by a concern about the ‘negative environmental impacts of cattle farming, including deforestation.
Stuart Templar, director of global sustainability at Volvo Cars, said: “Being a progressive car maker means we need to address all areas of sustainability, not just CO2 emissions.
“Responsible sourcing is an important part of that work, including respect for animal welfare. Going leather-free inside our pure electric cars is a good next step towards addressing this issue.”
Volvo says that by 2025, the company is aiming for 25 per cent of the materials used in its cars to be made from recycled and bio-based content, and for all its immediate suppliers to use 100 per cent renewable energy.
Alongside wool blends, Volvo has developed a new interior material called Nordico, which is made of recycled materials like plastic bottles, cork, and various sustainably-sourced wood. This textile will debut on Volvo’s next generation models.
Aside from leather, Volvo says its cars will go ‘vegan’ by also reducing the use of residual products from livestock, including rubbers and adhesives, in its cars.
Volvo is launching a family of new EVs as the brand commits to only offering fully electric cars by 2030.
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