Bentley Motors Pioneers Organic Olive Tan Leather in Automotive Industry
August 21 2023,
Bentley Motors has unveiled its innovative Olive Tan Leather, marking another significant stride in sustainable luxury mobility. This groundbreaking organic leather was recently showcased in a Bentley model at the Monterey Car Week in California. Bentley's adoption of this eco-friendly leather technology further cements its position as an industry leader in sustainable practices, especially since becoming the first automotive manufacturer member of the Leather Working Group (LWG) in 2021.
In collaboration with Pasubio SpA, Bentley's Olive Tan Leather incorporates an industry-first tanning process. Unlike traditional methods reliant on metals, minerals, and aldehydes, this novel technique utilizes an organic by-product of olive oil pressing as the tanning agent. Derived from wastewater generated during olive pressing, the process is not only more environmentally friendly but also requires less water and offers a higher concentration of renewable chemicals.
With this move, Bentley has become the first automotive brand to harness this sustainable tanning method. The resulting leather, synonymous with Bentley’s hallmark traits of softness, durability, and luxury, underscores the brand's commitment to sustainability. Marc Stang, Technical Expert Leather at Bentley Motors, highlighted the importance of leather in Bentley’s car interiors, noting that the company sources eight to twelve hides per vehicle, all from within the European Union.
Bentley’s sustainable leather strategy doesn’t stop there. The hides used by the esteemed British marque are by-products of the meat industry and are rigorously traceable. On a global scale, leather production salvages around 270 million hides each year that would otherwise end up in landfills. Bentley's alignment with the Leather Working Group further echoes its Beyond100 strategy, which aims for sustainable mobility leadership.
Bentley’s launch of the Olive Tan Leather isn’t just a showcase of innovative material but a testament to their ongoing commitment to refining their supply chain and championing a sustainable future for luxury mobility.
