Volvo announced it is putting an end to the use of leather in its EVs. The move comes out of concern around the environmental impacts of cattle farming, especially GHG emissions.
When revealing its new C40 electric crossover, Volvo also announced it would move away from leather. The material to replace the leather is called “Nordico”; designed and created by Volvo, the company hopes it becomes the “new standard for premium interior design.”
According to Volvo, Nordico is made out of textiles produced from recycled PET bottles, recycled cork and “bio-attributed material” sourced from forests in Sweden and Finland. Nordico is set to make an appearance in the “next generation of Volvo models,” . In addition, Volvo is continuing to research more materials to use as seat and interior coverings to replace or simulate leather.
“Being a progressive car maker means we need to address all areas of sustainability, not just CO2 emissions,” says Stuart Templar, director of global sustainability at Volvo Cars. “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.”
Furthermore, Volvo is partnering with fashion designer Phillip Lim to design a weekend bag using the car brand’s new sustainable material. Both Volvo Cars and Phillip Lim say they share a commitment to sustainability, which is why they collaborated on this passion project to create a limited-edition weekend bag for the eco-conscious traveller.
The bag itself is inspired by classic luggage with inspiration from Volvo’s Scandinavian design roots. It will be a soft-structured piece featuring a double strap and hidden storage throughout.
Lim says “Using Volvo’s new sustainable material Nordico, we were able to showcase the versatility of the fabric and symbolize how animal-based materials can be replaced without compromising function or beauty.”
While the bag will not be available for purchase due to its exclusive limited edition run, officials say people will have the opportunity to get hold of it through local market initiatives such as competitions, charity auctions, and giveaways.
