All-new fully electric Volvo models will be completely leather-free from 2025, with many interior options set to be replaced by more sustainable materials.

• Aims for 25 percent recycled and bio-based material in new cars
• Wool-blend options will still be available
• Aims to reduce use of residual products from livestock production

Why does Volvo want to go leather-free?

The change comes as the manufacturer looks to reduce animal harm and its contribution to global emissions. Volvo will begin this initiative with the C40 Recharge.

“Being a progressive carmaker means we need to address all areas of sustainability, not just CO2 emissions,” said Stuart Templar, Volvo’s director of global sustainability. “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.”

What will Volvo use instead?

Volvo will aim for 25 percent of all materials on new cars to be recycled and bio-based, in addition to the goal of ensuring all immediate suppliers use 100 percent renewable energy by 2025.

It will offer bio-based and recycled alternatives for leather interior options, including its Nordico material (made from plastic bottles), ‘bio-attributed material’ and corks reused from the wine industry.

Wool-blend options will still be available and sourced responsibly, with full traceability in line with animal-welfare standards.

Volvo will also aim to reduce the utilisation of residual products from livestock production – used for making plastics, rubber, lubricants and adhesives – either as part of the material or as a process chemical in the material’s production or treatment.

Volvo’s India plans

The Swedish carmaker is likely to bring the all-electric XC40 Recharge to India in the coming months. Volvo has previously stated that it’s keen on assembling the electric XC40 in India, which could result in a relatively competitive price. Additionally, Volvo aims to have only petrol and battery electric models in India from 2022.

At present, Volvo offers a total of four models in our market – the XC40, XC60, XC90 SUVs along with the S60 sedan.