Polestar design chief questions sustainability of vegan upholstery
Electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar will continue to offer leather in its vehicle interiors, with its head of colour and materials design arguing that animal-free alternatives are not necessarily more sustainable.
Speaking to Australian automotive publication CarExpert at the international media launch of the Polestar 4 SUV, Maria Uggla said the Swedish electric vehicle brand had retained leather because of concerns that vegan materials were being equated with sustainability.
Ms Uggla said many animal-free upholstery materials are made from polyurethane or PVC derived from crude oil, whereas leather makes use of hides generated as a by-product of the food industry.
She also described Polestar's approach to leather sourcing, citing animal welfare requirements, traceability to farm level and chrome-free processing.
image - Polestar
