There’s a lot of noise in the sustainability debate, especially when it comes to automotive interiors. Leather is often put on trial for its water use, but when you look closer, the story is far more complex.
Yes, leather tanning uses water. But most of it is cleaned, reused or responsibly managed. And let’s not forget that leather comes from hides, which are a by-product of the food industry, a material that would otherwise go to waste.
On the flip side, many “vegan” or synthetic leathers rely on plastic or chemical-based components that also demand significant water and energy during production. A green label doesn’t always tell the whole story.
So, how should we define sustainability? Is it about reusing what we already have or chasing new materials that come with hidden impacts?
These are the kinds of questions car makers and drivers alike are starting to ask more often, and rightly so.
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