PETA has awarded Rivian its “REVolutionary Vegan Vehicle” Award after the automaker confirmed that it does not use any animal-derived materials in its interiors and has no plans to.
“Every vegan vehicle rolled out by Rivian helps spare vulnerable cows and sheep being mutilated and killed for leather and wool car interiors,” PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said in a news release. “PETA is celebrating this company for helping to steer the industry toward an animal- and planet-friendly future.”
PETA is a strong proponent of animal-free materials, arguing the use of leather and wool is cruel and manufactured in ways that are damaging to the environment. Of course, the issue is hotly debated in the upholstery industry.
As the trend of “vegan leather” continues to gain popularity, more automakers are pledging to adjust their vehicles. Tesla is now fully leather-free. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen all offer leather-free options. And Volvo has pledged to be completely leather-free by 2030.
Still, many high-end luxury brands like Bentley and Porsche refuse to follow suit, believing faux leather is a cheap trend that will never match the quality or prestige of genuine leather.
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