The criticism comes from Bridge of Weir, a supplier of cowhide for several premium automakers all over the world.
Fine leather maker Bridge of Weir calls for transparency in the materials industry, particularly with the claims made by synthetic material manufacturers regarding the environmental friendliness of vegan leather. The Scottish company is a renowned supplier of premium leather to luxury automakers, including McLaren, Jaguar Land Rover, Polestar, and most recently, Aston Martin with its new DB12.
In a statement, Bridge of Weir believes that many leather alternatives, often marketed as “vegan,” actually contain plastic components that do not biodegrade, despite being touted as eco-friendly. The firm is concerned that carmakers and consumers are being “greenwashed” with these claims.
Over the years, several automakers have switched to using vegan leather in their cars for their assumed sustainability.
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Since last year, BMW and Mini have completely ditched genuine cowhide for the vegan option. Meanwhile, Tesla presented a vegan leather cabin for the Model S late last year – a $30,000 option.
There have been several other examples, each claiming sustainability as the reason for the move and coinciding with the world's increasing call to save the environment.
However, Bridge of Weir cites a recent study by the Filk Frieberg Institute, revealing the presence of plastics in leather alternatives. Plastics, as we all know, are composites derived from fossil fuels. They don't biodegrade safely or efficiently and can't be fully recycled.
The leather maker likewise cited that vegan leather products aren't as robust as leather, which could lead to frequent replacement.
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This, in turn, could result in more products being made each year. It also claimed that manufacturing synthetic materials often involves harmful chemicals, exacerbating environmental issues.
In contrast, Bridge of Weir highlights that genuine leather is a by-product of the meat industry. No cattle are specifically bred for their hides, meaning leather production does not contribute to additional carbon emissions or deforestation. They can also be repurposed, as seen in the interior of the Genesis X Speedium Concept.
The company also prides itself in producing the lowest carbon leather, which helps automakers in their quest to reduce their carbon footprint.
While Bridge of Weir's claims against vegan leather options are straightforward, the company calls for transparency among material makers so that automakers and consumers can make informed decisions based on facts.
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Keyword: Vegan Leather Car Interiors Called Out As A Sham