Within the SUVs, the fabric boasts enduring quality, lightweight texture and a durable lifespan. One of the key environmental benefits of using eucalyptus is that it is a fast-growing plant, requiring less water than other species providing a lightweight, durable material once made. The company has been utilising eucalyptus to create ‘Eucalyptus Melange’, a premium animal-free alternative to leather for Range Rover’s SUV range. Turning to the treesĪside from using polyester and polystyrene, Land Rover has turned to a plant for a more sustainable approach. Further down the car segments, the Ford Fiesta has a number of options for non-leather seats. The VW Golf entry-level S trim is fitted with cloth seats, non-leather steering wheel and gear knob as standard – with no leather option. Mid-range segments also offer vegan-friendly interiors. Polestar introduced a ‘vegan’ interior with its first 2 model. Buyers can pay more for a non-leather vegan option using leather-free artificial fabrics and coverings, including a floor covering made from recycled fishing nets. For example, the Porsche Taycan 4S comes as standard with a part-leather interior. While some leading fashion brands have cottoned onto this movement by giving up leather, premium carmakers have been quick to offer vegan-friendly interior options with some planning to phase out leather altogether.Īmong those promoting the use of non-animal leathers include the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Automakers cotton onto vegan-friendly interior optionsĪccording to The Vegan Society, the number of vegans in the UK quadrupled between 20. For the Huracán STO the material was used for all trims giving the vehicle a sporty feel. When it came to the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae model, laser treated Alcantara material was used, decorated with a Y pattern with contrasting backing. The material was featured on the dashboard, scissor doors and seats embellished with the iconic Lamborghini pattern. Since then the company measures its greenhouse gas emissions caused by company activity and the product – from the beginning of the manufacturing journey to the end of product life – to continue to take action to offset emissions.Īt a recent event hosted by the company titled “Customization is the Key” a collaboration with Lamborghini was showcased, demonstrating the customisation opportunities through the interiors of the two latest Lamborghini arrivals: Aventador Ultimae and Huracán STO. Offering a carbon neutral product requires a net balance of CO2 emissions which are equal to zero – a goal which the company achieved back in 2009. The installation of Alcantara fabric within vehicles offers claimed benefits such as easy maintenance, offers a strong grip, boasts 100% carbon neutral credentials and is a wholly non-animal-based product. Customers for the material include Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, BMW, Bugatti, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, McLaren and Porsche.ĭue to the diverse nature of the material the company has utilised it within the clothing industry, technology sectors and also automotive. Alcantara is a polymer manufactured in a spinning process from polyester and polyurethane.

Alcantara’s material is typically used in automotive seats, headliners and steering wheel covers. One brand leading the way with alternatives to leather is Alcantara, a company producing microfibre fabric made from polyester and polystyrene.

Automotive grade leather hides