Our experience and ambition have fueled our knowledge database. Browse through our articles or search a specific topic. What are you looking for? Our topics Biodegradability Bisphenol Chemicals & substances Finishing Leather Renewability Sustainability Tanning The leather industry Wet End Leather, the symbol of luxury in automotive interiors, has had a complicated relationship with the modern car industry. With the rise of sustainability and vegan materials, many automakers have opted for leather alternatives. Whether those alternatives are sustainable is beside the point now. Tesla, the flagbearer of this transition, notably phased out leather interiors in 2017. But now, with Tesla’s new collaboration with Ralph Lauren hinting at a luxurious leather comeback, and brands like Bugatti continuing to embrace high-end leather craftsmanship, leather is experiencing a revival—this time, with a stronger emphasis on sustainability and responsible sourcing. The Timeless Appeal of Leather Leather has long been a hallmark of sophistication and craftsmanship in luxury cars. It’s hard to forget the tactile richness of sinking into a plush leather seat, or the unmistakable aroma that greets you when you step into a premium vehicle. For decades, leather was the gold standard of automotive luxury—symbolizing elegance, refinement, and opulence. However, as concerns about environmental impact and animal welfare took center stage, leather began to fall out of favor. In response, brands like Tesla took a pioneering role in shifting towards vegan leather. In 2017, Tesla fully transitioned to synthetic interiors, replacing leather with innovative, yet fossil-based materials that appealed to the eco-conscious luxury buyer. But Tesla, the company that led the charge against leather, is now signaling a potential shift. Tesla is collaborating with Ralph Lauren to reintroduce leather in its cars—but this time, it’s not just any leather. The focus is on premium, ethically-sourced leather that aligns with the brand’s mission of sustainability. Ralph Lauren, a fashion house that has always stood for timeless luxury, is no stranger to leather craftsmanship, and their expertise could help Tesla reimagine leather as a responsible, yet luxurious option. Tesla Mag calls the collaboration “A Statement in Sustainability”, with which we could not agree more bringing leather back instead of plastics interiors. Bugatti’s Tourbillon: Crafting the Future of Leather Luxury Tesla isn’t the only one breathing new life into leather. Bugatti, a brand synonymous with hyper-luxury, has continued to embrace leather in its vehicles, combining heritage with modern craftsmanship. One prime example is Bugatti’s recent collaboration with Jacob & Co. to create the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon, a limited-edition luxury timepiece that features hand-stitched leather bands of the finest quality. This same dedication to leather craftsmanship is mirrored in Bugatti’s hypercars, where the interiors remain a celebration of exquisite, artisanal leather. Bugatti’s approach offers a compelling counterpoint to the trend of abandoning leather in favor of synthetics. Rather than seeing leather as outdated, Bugatti emphasizes its value as an irreplaceable material for those who desire both luxury and tactile pleasure. By ensuring that the leather used in their cars is responsibly sourced, Bugatti is making a case that leather can still play a role in the future of luxury, without sacrificing ethical considerations. Sustainability Meets Luxury: BMW and Volkswagen’s Responsible Leather Commitment Beyond Tesla and Bugatti, other major automakers are also finding ways to reintroduce leather while keeping sustainability at the forefront. BMW and Volkswagen Group, for example, have joined the Leather Working Group (LWG)—a global multi-stakeholder organization committed to promoting environmental best practices in the leather industry. Through partnerships with LWG-certified suppliers, these brands ensure that the leather used in their vehicles is produced with minimal environmental impact, while adhering to strict ethical standards. The Leather Working Group assesses and certifies tanneries based on their water use, waste management, and chemical processes, making sure that the entire supply chain is as green as possible. For companies like BMW and Volkswagen, this partnership allows them to offer the luxury of leather without compromising their environmental goals. It’s a win-win scenario that reflects the broader shift towards “sustainable luxury”—where consumers can enjoy high-end products that align with their values. Conclusion: A Luxe Revival with Ethical Intentions The resurgence of leather in car interiors is more than just a nostalgic nod to the past—it’s part of a larger movement towards redefining luxury for the future. Tesla’s collaboration with Ralph Lauren signals that leather can still be part of the modern luxury experience, especially when it is sourced and produced responsibly. Bugatti’s continued use of leather in both its cars and accessories, like the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon, shows that there is still a place for this timeless material in high-end markets. With brands like BMW and Volkswagen Group adopting best practices for responsible leather production, the industry is carving out a space where sustainability and luxury can coexist. Leather is making a comeback, but this time, it’s returning in a more ethical and sustainable form—one that speaks to the values of the modern consumer without compromising on quality or craftsmanship. As carmakers continue to innovate, leather’s future will not just be about opulence, but about crafting a material that reflects our evolving relationship with luxury, sustainability, and responsible production. With leather being reinvented, a trend is reborn. Let’s bring leather back in cars, that is environmentally friendly made and sourced leather. There is no alternative that can beat that in terms of sustainability.
