Munich. The BMW Group has become the second automaker in the world to join the Leather Working Group, demonstrating its corporate responsibility in the field of sustainability. The goal of this non-profit multi-stakeholder organization is to ensure consistent environmental and social standards across the global leather supply chain and to certify manufacturers. The Leather Working Group represents about a quarter of the world’s leather producers – from tanneries to the leather processing industry, from associations to retailers and buyers.
“As a leader in supply chain sustainability, joining the Leather Working Group is a logical next step for us,” said Nadine Philipp, Head of Sustainability in the Energy Supply Chain at the BMW Group. “Our customers still need leather – depending on model and region – and it’s very important in the premium segment, which is why it’s important to us to support the sustainable production and processing of leather from our suppliers,” she stressed. At the same time, we hope but still are all our customers worldwide. To be able to choose the best products, we also offer leather-free car interiors. ”
The decision to join the Leather Working Group ties in directly with the BMW Group’s business alignment, with its focus on sustainability and resource efficiency. One of the BMW Group’s objectives is to create the most sustainable supply chain across the entire automotive industry. Sourcing leather from certified facilities is an important step on the road to achieving this ambitious goal.
As well as leather from certified suppliers, BMW Group also offers customers alternative interior materials
The BMW Group has sourced all leather for the BMW iX from certified manufacturers. The natural leather used is tanned in a particularly eco-friendly process using olive leaf extract. The BMW Group already offers leather-free alternatives, including textiles, Alcantara® and Sensatec. In addition, the company is working on resource-efficient leather alternatives such as Deserttex®, made from cactus fibers, and Mirum®, a durable and fully recyclable plant from startup Natural Fiber Welding, in which BMW i Ventures has a stake . 2021.