The BMW Group, which includes the BMW and Mini brands, plans to release its first cars fromcompletely vegan interior (vegan) since 2023, removal of materials and leather of animal origin, and by replacing them with innovative materialsproperties similar to skin.

These materials can also be used on many surfaces, such as the steering wheel, which must meet requirements for touch, appearance and wear resistance. Studying some interiors are free from materials of animal originthe BMW group is riding the vegan wave and responding to the growing demand for leather-free cabins, which can be found in the United States, China and Europe in particular.

BMW and Mini: reducing emissions in the direct line of sight

In addition to the fashionable effect, this new proposal will, above all, allow the German group reduce CO emissions₂ throughout the vehicle’s life cycle with the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. By replacing raw materials of animal origin, BMW and Mini will increase environmental sustainability in the production of their cars.

So with the addition of these new materials to the group’s vegan homes, the share of raw materials of animal origin should decrease to less than 1% in BMW and Mini cars. This small part will always be in certain places that are not visible to users, such as gelatin used in protective coatings or even lanolin in paints.

As strange as it may seem, leather will be increasingly present in cars in the coming years, but why? 🤷‍♂️ https://t.co/MjhyI9cKAK

— AutoPlus (@AutoPlusMag) May 29, 2022

BMW and Mini: an alternative to leather

Of course, the BMW Group has long offered textile interiors as an alternative to leather. From now on, the offer will be enriched by a skin substitutewhich can be found on the seats and upholstery, as well as on the steering wheel:

“With a handlebar made from high-quality vegan material, we’re responding to the wishes of our customers who don’t want to compromise on look, feel and functionality. The innovative material resists wear and tear caused by abrasion, sweat and moisture, and has all the desired properties of leather.”– said Uwe Köhler, Head of Body, Exterior and Interior Development at the BMW Group.

BMW and Mini: 85% reduction in CO emissions.₂

This alternative to natural leather allows reduce CO emissions by up to 85%₂ : this fraction includes approximately 80% of methane emissions from cattle farming and 20% from the energy- and water-intensive conversion of cowhide into leather.

Next generations of BMW and Mini models will be presentedother alternatives to leatherwith innovative biomaterials that lead to a reduction of CO emissions by approximately 45%.₂. in Mirum is a 100% biological material without petroleum content that can imitate all the properties of the skin, and Deserttex is a material made from cactus fibers combined with bio-based polyurethane.

Volvo recently announced that it is phasing out genuine leather for the interior of its cars and is preparing to replace it with Nordico, a recycled material. https://t.co/MCkgLrpn7T

— AutoPlus (@AutoPlusMag) October 27, 2021