In Germany, luxury carmaker BMW now offers a 100% vegan interior option for its popular 5 Series Touring model. The seats are made from Veganza, an animal-free leather alternative with a lower climate impact.
While the feedstock used to produce Veganza was not detailed vegconomist notes that BMW has been active in biobased materials. In 2021, its BMW i Ventures venture capital arm made an undisclosed investment in Natural Fiber Welding, a company developing materials from hemp, cork, coconut, and vegetable oil. BMW has also worked with MIRUM, a material made from natural rubber, plant and mineral pigments and plant-based oils and waxes, as well as Desserttex, a material made from powdered cactus fibers.