Mini to make future car models leather-free

Image: mini/Instagram

Mohsina Dodhiya4th February 20214th February 2021Lifestyle, News, Vegan Activism

Mini’s Head of Design says “creating the smallest footprint for each of our products is a driver” in response to the brand’s decision to ditch leather interiors in future cars.

British automotive brand Mini will not offer leather interiors in its future models.

The move comes as part of the brand’s efforts to become more sustainable.

According to design head, Oliver Heilmer “creating the smallest footprint for each of our products is a driver”.

Mini already uses 100% recycled materials for its fabric seats and the seat cushions are around 70% recycled.

‘High-value products without leather’

In an interview, Heilmer told Autocar: “We don’t need leather any more in the future, because we don’t believe it’s sustainable.

“We’re totally convinced that we will have modern and high-value products without leather.”

Commenting further, he added: “We’re looking to create a timeless design. A one-season design, like fashion, isn’t our aim with the design of future MINIs.

“It’s inventive simplicity. Materials will be recycled, but they’re luxurious at the same time. And inventive in terms of function.

“For instance, we used cork in the Urbanaut concept.”

Vegan vehicles

Mini joins a number of other automotive companies that have taken steps to remove leather interiors, including Audi, Tesla, and Volvo.

Last year, Mini’s parent company BMW announced that all of its 5-Series cars would feature Sensatec leatherette seats, a cruelty-free material that BMW has been using for years.

Thomas Majchrzak, a car journalist, posting a review of the seat’s material on Instagram, wrote: “8 years ago, people said it would be “extreme” to ask for animal skin leather alternatives on car seats.

“Nowadays, we are aware of the suffering that is involved for humans, animals and the environment and we know that ripping off the skin of a sentient living being for furniture and cars is “extreme” while there are plenty of great other and more sustainable choices – just like in the BMW5Series car interiors.”