The automotive industry is experiencing a period of accelerated transformation, where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. While the transition to electric vehicles has received increased attention, pressure is also growing for automakers to rethink the materials used in their finishes. In this context, Renault is taking a bold and symbolic step: by the end of 2025, all its cars will have interiors completely free of animal leather.

Renault promises 100% leather-free interiors by 2025

The decision, the result of discussions with animal rights groups PETA France and PETA Germany, reinforces the French brand's commitment to adopting more ethical and sustainable solutions.

The manufacturer's latest models, such as the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, Symbioz and Rafale, already leave the factory with leather-free interiors, replaced by ecological fabrics made from recycled fibers and reused plastic waste.

According to PETA, demand for vehicles with interiors free of animal products is growing. Although up to 90% of a car's environmental impact is related to fuel consumption and emissions, car manufacturing itself generates a significant carbon footprint.

In this sense, avoiding the use of leather, whose production chain is linked to pollution, deforestation, human rights violations, and animal cruelty, becomes a practical and effective way to reduce the automotive sector's impact. A PETA report published in 2023 already highlighted the vegan alternatives available throughout Europe, free of leather and wool.

The NGO also instigated other manufacturers, such as Audi, Porsche and ŠKODA, which still don't offer 100% leather-free options, following Renault's lead. To give you an idea, it's estimated that it takes an average of three cow or ox hides to upholster the interior of a standard-size car. Globally, the leather industry is responsible for the deaths of around one billion animals each year.

Commitment to innovation and compassion

According to Grand View Research, the global automotive leather market was worth approximately US$33,35 billion in 2022, and is expected to reach US$54,22 billion by 2030. In 2022, animal leather still represented almost 60% of this market.

"It's impossible to enjoy a relaxing, luxurious ride while carrying the burden of animal suffering and environmental pollution," says James Fraser, corporate representative for PETA France. "By choosing cruelty-free materials, Renault protects animals, reduces its carbon footprint, and proves that compassion and innovation go hand in hand."

The trend is already beginning to spread beyond France. In 2024, Volkswagen announced a partnership with the startup. Revoltech GmbH to develop vegan leather LOVR, made from industrial hemp, plastic-free and with a lower environmental impact. The first vehicles equipped with this material are expected to hit the market in 2028.

Other automakers are also abandoning leather

✅ Tesla – already adopts 100% vegan interiors across its entire line.

✅ Porsche – offers the option of a non-leather interior in the electric Taycan.

✅ Volvo – aims to eliminate leather by 2030, replacing it with materials such as Nordico, based on recycled fibers, cork and organic components.

✅ BMW – in the i3 model, it uses kenaf fibers and 100% recycled polyester fabrics.

✅ Mercedes-Benz – uses Artico, a highly durable synthetic leather.

✅ Fisker – uses recycled materials, such as fishing nets, t-shirts and recycled rubber.

✅ Land Rover – invests in a combination of wool and polyester developed by Kvadrat.

Renault's decision marks a symbolic turning point for the automotive industry. More than just following a trend, the French brand positions itself as an active agent in the transformation of a sector that seeks to balance luxury, ethics, and environmental responsibility. By eliminating leather from its vehicles, Renault not only responds to growing consumer demand but also poses a challenge to other automakers: proving that it is possible to innovate without sacrificing animals or compromising the planet.