By Nick Carey

LONDON (Reuters) – Swedish carmaker Volvo Cars said on Thursday that its vehicle range will go leather-free or ‘vegan-friendly’ by 2030, offering instead bio-based and recycled materials to a customer base that increasingly wants sustainably sourced products.

Robin Page, Volvo’s chief of design, said that a new generation is coming through and they are more concerned about the ethical stories behind their products. They want to know where their materials came from.

Volvo stated that the change is in response to customer concerns about animal welfare and environmental impact of cattle farming.

Volvo has plans to introduce an all electric car line-up by 2030.

Volvo’s C40 Recharge all-electric electric car is currently made without leather. The company plans to explore using Nordico, which is made of forestry byproducts as well as recycled corks, plastic bottles and plastic bottles. Page, the head of design, said that Nordico has the same softness and warmth as leather.

Page stated that the Nordico material is an excellent, contemporary way to preserve the characteristics of leather, but it is also the best choice for those who love leather, but are aware of the environmental impacts of leather.

To reduce its carbon footprint, the carmaker will use recycled polyester and flax plant linen to replenish the soil. Volvo will use flax fibres to make its doors panels.

Stuart Templar (Voice’s global sustainability director) stated, “Consumers don’t only care about sustainability of end products, but also what goes into them, and how they are sourced.”