Is 'vegan leather' greenwashing or is it better for the environment? Why brands like Polestar and BMW are changing the way they do leather – real and fake

AutoExec Summary
Some new car models and brands are using environmentally conscious materials as a key selling point. However, some customers are wary of greenwashing, where products appear to be eco-friendly but aren’t. “Vegan leather” is increasingly common, with synthetic materials being used in car interiors to signal cruelty-free products. There is conflicting debate on whether real leather or synthetic alternatives are better for the environment. Some brands, like Polestar, are making efforts to trace material sourcing using blockchain technology. Other sustainable plant-based synthetic materials are also being used, such as mushroom fibers and pineapple leaves. If sustainability is a top priority, then opting for neither real nor fake leather may be the best choice.

Brands mentioned: Polestar, BMW, Bridge of Weir, Mycoworks, Pinatex, Natural Fibre Welding, BMW i Ventures