Bentley Joins Leather Naturally NGO for Sourcing

Click to enlarge.

Bentley Motors said today in an awakened announcement that it has become the first automotive member of Leather Naturally,* said to the global voice of the sustainable leather industry. The international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) says it is dedicated to promoting the use of certified, properly-sourced leather as a natural by-product of a responsible circular economy. In 2021, Bentley was the first automotive member of the Leather Working Group, promoting responsible business practices and environmental compliance within the leather industry.

“Leather Naturally is delighted to welcome Bentley as a member. As a brand synonymous with both luxury and leather, this partnership underlines its commitment to furthering sustainability and ongoing improvement through its Beyond 100 vision,” said Debbie Burton, Chair of Leather Naturally.

Bentley will offer the first, sustainable leather option for customers, via a sustainable leather tanning process that uses an organic by-product of the olive oil industry. So-called Olive Mill Waste Water tanned Leather is produced with tanning agents free of harmful heavy metals, minerals and aldehydes.

“Leather is a timeless, luxury material that has always epitomized the elegance, durability and quality of a hand-crafted Bentley interior. It has a rich history that dates back decades in our cars and has always stood the test of time. The application of the latest sustainable leathers allows an even wider variety of choice for our customers and further supports our industry-leading Beyond100 strategy,” said Marc Stang, Technical Expert, Leather and Color Development at Bentley Motors.

*Leather Naturally says it has a global membership from a wide range of industries. The NGO uses educational and promotional activities which focus on leathers made from hides that are a by-product of the food industry, therefore supporting a responsible, circular economy. Such materials would otherwise be turned into waste.