Latest news with #YvonneTaylor
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
French automaker to ditch leather for vegan interiors
A major French car maker has committed to eliminating the use of animal leather interiors across its entire range by the end of the year in a move that will make vegans very happy indeed. While the decision, confirmed by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), will see Renault ditch animal leather options from its global car line-up in a few months' time, it has already stopped offering leather seats and steering wheels to UK customers. 'True luxury is free from cruelty – and Renault understands that. By refusing to work with leather, Renault is helping save animal lives, reduce its environmental impact, and prove that compassion and innovation go hand in hand,' PETA's vice president of corporate projects, Yvonne Taylor, said. The international animal rights organisation estimates the global leather trade is responsible for the death of one billion animals every year. It adds that three cow or bull hides are used per car cabin. But not every car manufacturer is taking this vegan-friendly direction. A PETA study carried out last year listed the brands that currently use leather-alternative materials but also highlighted those sticking with traditional hides. Find out which brands aren't appeasing the vegans below... The animal rights group has taken aim at the motor industry's continued use of leather, claiming it is a highly polluting part of the manufacturing process. While it suggests three cow hides are used for a typically medium-size family car, bigger luxury models can require up to 15 animal skins in total. 'Due to the thicker hides used, non-vegan car interiors tend to have an even worse environmental impact than fashion items made from animal skins,' PETA says. 'Transforming animal hides into leather requires up to 170 chemicals (including cyanide, chromium, and coal-tar derivatives), which are toxic to human tannery workers and poison waterways. One report also linked leather car interiors to illegal land clearing and biodiversity loss,' it added. The organisation noted a range of new Renault models have already axed leather. The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, Symbioz and Rafale all feature seats made from eco-friendly fabrics made with recycled plastic waste from landfill and other recycled textiles. However, vegans in the UK will be pleased to hear that Renault has been selling new cars with sustainable alternative upholsteries for years with a selection of organic and recyclable materials coming as standard. It's only in foreign markets that the French firm still offers animal leather cabins. And Renault isn't the only brand to offer vegan-friendly cabins. Abarth, BYD, Citroen, Dacia, Fiat, Jeep, Mini, Peugeot, Polestar, Smart, Vauxhall and Volvo largely offer leather-alternative interiors across the majority of their ranges, according to PETA's European Vegan Car Interior Survey last year. Tesla failed to respond to the group's request for information, but This is Money can confirm it uses synthetic, high-quality vegan leather across its vehicle line-up. Some BMW, Jaguar Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz passenger cars also have non-animal leather as standard, despite being luxury brands consumers would typically associate with the premium material. That said, no new models are entirely animal product free... For instance, tyres and other interior materials typically contain tallow - rendered animal fat, traditionally from beef or mutton suet, that has been processed to remove impurities and moisture. Other lubricants used in all cars also include animal fat as an ingredient. And some brands utilise obscure animal products in ways you likely wouldn't imagine. For instance, during the painting process of Minis, each car is feather-dusted using female ostrich feathers. Mini says it only uses those that have been shed naturally (which occurs once a year) and they are a 'sustainable tool' to remove traces of dust right before the colour paint layer is applied to guarantee a perfect finish. But some brands are still sticking with leather interiors, including premium marques such as Audi, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Bentley Motors last year became the first automotive member of Leather Naturally - a non-government organisation dedicated to promoting the use of certified, properly-sourced leather as a natural by-product of a responsible circular economy. The move will see Bentley use 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.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Not just Renault and Tesla, 6 car brands ditched leather interiors; here's what they are using instead
A leading French car manufacturing brand, Renault, has pledged to completely eliminate animal leather interiors from all its vehicles by the end of this year. The move is most likely to be welcomed by the vegan community. According to the Daily Mail, the decision has been confirmed by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), who will see Renault ditch animal leather options from across its global car line-up in a few months. Moreover, it has already stopped offering leather seats and steering wheels to UK customers. One Billion Animals are Killed Annually for Leather The PETA report reveals that the global leather trade kills nearly one billion animals annually. It takes the hides of three cows or bulls to cover the interior of the standard-sized car. PETA's Vice President of Corporate Projects, Yvonne Taylor, said. "Renault is showing that true luxury doesn't come at the cost of animal welfare." The new Renault 5 E-tech Electric, Symbioz, and Rafale all feature seats that are made of eco-friendly fabrics. After talks with @PETA_France & @PETADeutschland, @renaultgroup pledged to ditch leather by the end of this year 🎉🐮We applaud this compassionate decision & can't wait to see their gorgeous leather-free interiors soon 👏🫶 Not just Renault, but other cars like Tesla and Porsche took part in the initiative According to PETA India, not only Renault but also prominent brands including Tesla, Porsche, and Volvo are also phasing out animal leather in favour of sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives. The shift is driven by growing consumer demand for ethical and eco-friendly vehicles. The report says that these companies are also offering 'vegan' or leather-free interiors, using materials like recycled plastics or polyester. Here's a look at some other brands and their initiatives: Tesla: Tesla is known for its all-electric lineup and has completely embraced vegan interiors by eliminating animal leather from all its models. Porsche: According to The New Indian Express, the brand is currently offering a leather-free interior option in its Taycan electric vehicle, marking a significant step towards sustainability. Volvo: Volvo is focusing on going leather-free across its entire range by 2030, utilising materials like Nordico that incorporate recycled plastics, cork, and other organic materials, reported ET. BMW: BMW's i3, an all-EV sedan, features all door panels and dashboards made from natural kenaf plant fibres and seat cloths made from 100 per cent recycled polyester. Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz also uses Artico, a synthetic vinyl-based leather material, in some of its vehicles. Fisker: This car also features a vegan interior made with recycled nets, T-shirts and rubber, as per PETA. Land Rover: While Land Rover uses a wool-polyester blend from Kvadrat in some of their vehicles. (Note: These brands are also offering vegan leather options for customers in a move to utilise synthetic materials like Sensatec and Artico.) FAQs Q. Which Renault models feature leather-free interiors? The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, Symbioz, and Rafale are among the models featuring eco-friendly, leather-free interiors made from sustainable fabrics. Q. What are some of the most important aspects of the design? The automobile has a '5' on the bonnet that shows the vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality, and the charge status (for techno trim and up).
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Renault to stop using leather interiors after talks with PETA
A major French car maker has committed to eliminating the use of animal leather interiors across its entire range by the end of the year in a move that will make vegans very happy indeed. While the decision, confirmed by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), will see Renault ditch animal leather options from its global car line-up in a few months' time, it has already stopped offering leather seats and steering wheels to UK customers. 'True luxury is free from cruelty – and Renault understands that. By refusing to work with leather, Renault is helping save animal lives, reduce its environmental impact, and prove that compassion and innovation go hand in hand,' PETA's vice president of corporate projects, Yvonne Taylor, said. The international animal rights organisation estimates the global leather trade is responsible for the death of one billion animals every year. It adds that three cow or bull hides are used per car cabin. But not every car manufacturer is taking this vegan-friendly direction. A PETA study carried out last year listed the brands that currently use leather-alternative materials but also highlighted those sticking with traditional hides. Find out which brands aren't appeasing the vegans below... The animal rights group has taken aim at the motor industry's continued use of leather, claiming it is a highly polluting part of the manufacturing process. While it suggests three cow hides are used for a typically medium-size family car, bigger luxury models can require up to 15 animal skins in total. 'Due to the thicker hides used, non-vegan car interiors tend to have an even worse environmental impact than fashion items made from animal skins,' PETA says. 'Transforming animal hides into leather requires up to 170 chemicals (including cyanide, chromium, and coal-tar derivatives), which are toxic to human tannery workers and poison waterways. One report also linked leather car interiors to illegal land clearing and biodiversity loss,' it added. The organisation noted a range of new Renault models have already axed leather. The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric , Symbioz and Rafale all feature seats made from eco-friendly fabrics made with recycled plastic waste from landfill and other recycled textiles. However, vegans in the UK will be pleased to hear that Renault has been selling new cars with sustainable alternative upholsteries for years with a selection of organic and recyclable materials coming as standard. It's only in foreign markets that the French firm still offers animal leather cabins. And Renault isn't the only brand to offer vegan-friendly cabins. Abarth, BYD, Citroen, Dacia, Fiat, Jeep, Mini, Peugeot, Polestar, Smart, Vauxhall and Volvo largely offer leather-alternative interiors across the majority of their ranges, according to PETA's European Vegan Car Interior Survey last year. Tesla failed to respond to the group's request for information, but This is Money can confirm it uses synthetic, high-quality vegan leather across its vehicle line-up. Some BMW, Jaguar Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz passenger cars also have non-animal leather as standard, despite being luxury brands consumers would typically associate with the premium material. That said, no new models are entirely animal product free... For instance, tyres and other interior materials typically contain tallow - rendered animal fat, traditionally from beef or mutton suet, that has been processed to remove impurities and moisture. Other lubricants used in all cars also include animal fat as an ingredient. And some brands utilise obscure animal products in ways you likely wouldn't imagine. For instance, during the painting process of Minis, each car is feather-dusted using female ostrich feathers. Mini says it only uses those that have been shed naturally (which occurs once a year) and they are a 'sustainable tool' to remove traces of dust right before the colour paint layer is applied to guarantee a perfect finish. But some brands are still sticking with leather interiors, including premium marques such as Audi, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Bentley Motors last year became the first automotive member of Leather Naturally - a non-government organisation dedicated to promoting the use of certified, properly-sourced leather as a natural by-product of a responsible circular economy. The move will see Bentley use 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. Marc Stang, Bentley's in-house leather expert, said: 'Leather is a timeless, luxury material that has always epitomised 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.' Here's a list of brands that told PETA they don't offer vegan-friendly animal leather alternatives in the new models... yet.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
French car giant to stop using animal leather - but which brands AREN'T appeasing the vegans
A major French car maker has committed to eliminating the use of animal leather interiors across its entire range by the end of the year in a move that will make vegans very happy indeed. While the decision, confirmed by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), will see Renault ditch animal leather options from its global car line-up in a few months' time, it has already stopped offering leather seats and steering wheels to UK customers. 'True luxury is free from cruelty – and Renault understands that. By refusing to work with leather, Renault is helping save animal lives, reduce its environmental impact, and prove that compassion and innovation go hand in hand,' PETA's vice president of corporate projects, Yvonne Taylor, said. The international animal rights organisation estimates the global leather trade is responsible for the death of one billion animals every year. It adds that three cow or bull hides are used per car cabin. But not every car manufacturer is taking this vegan-friendly direction. A PETA study carried out last year listed the brands that currently use leather-alternative materials but also highlighted those sticking with traditional hides. Find out which brands aren't appeasing the vegans below... Renault has committed to eliminating the use of animal leather interiors across its entire range of vehicles by the end of the year, PETA has confirmed The animal rights group has taken aim at the motor industry's continued use of leather, claiming it is a highly polluting part of the manufacturing process. While it suggests three cow hides are used for a typically medium-size family car, bigger luxury models can require up to 15 animal skins in total. 'Due to the thicker hides used, non-vegan car interiors tend to have an even worse environmental impact than fashion items made from animal skins,' PETA says. 'Transforming animal hides into leather requires up to 170 chemicals (including cyanide, chromium, and coal-tar derivatives), which are toxic to human tannery workers and poison waterways. One report also linked leather car interiors to illegal land clearing and biodiversity loss,' it added. The organisation noted a range of new Renault models have already axed leather. The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, Symbioz and Rafale all feature seats made from eco-friendly fabrics made with recycled plastic waste from landfill and other recycled textiles. However, vegans in the UK will be pleased to hear that Renault has been selling new cars with sustainable alternative upholsteries for years with a selection of organic and recyclable materials coming as standard. It's only in foreign markets that the French firm still offers animal leather cabins. And Renault isn't the only brand to offer vegan-friendly cabins. New Renault models feature seats made from eco-friendly fabrics made with recycled plastic waste from landfills and other recycled textiles Abarth, BYD, Citroen, Dacia, Fiat, Jeep, Mini, Peugeot, Polestar, Smart, Vauxhall and Volvo largely offer leather-alternative interiors across the majority of their ranges, according to PETA's European Vegan Car Interior Survey last year. Tesla failed to respond to the group's request for information, but This is Money can confirm it uses synthetic, high-quality vegan leather across its vehicle line-up. Some BMW, Jaguar Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz passenger cars also have non-animal leather as standard, despite being luxury brands consumers would typically associate with the premium material. That said, no new models are entirely animal product free... The rubber used in tyres and interior materials in all cars often contains tallow, while some lubricants include animal fat as an ingredient. And some brands utilise obscure animal products in ways you likely wouldn't imagine. For instance, during the painting process of Minis, each car is feather-dusted using female ostrich feathers. Mini says it only uses those that have been shed naturally (which occurs once a year) and they are a 'sustainable tool' to remove traces of dust right before the colour paint layer is applied to guarantee a perfect finish. But some brands are still sticking with leather interiors, including premium marques such as Audi, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Here's a list of brands that told PETA they don't offer vegan-friendly animal leather alternatives in the new models... yet.
Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Ban bulldogs from new notes, Bank of England urged
English bulldogs should not feature on new banknotes because they are 'inherently unwell Frankendogs', an animal rights charity has claimed. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) has appealed to the Bank of England after it launched a consultation into plans to redesign part of the nation's currency, urging the public to submit suggestions. But in a letter to the Bank, Yvonne Taylor, Peta's vice-president of corporate projects, wrote: 'Brits are renowned for their love of dogs, but our involvement in the selective breeding of these 'Frankendogs' is a national shame. 'As a 'breathing-impaired breed', British bulldogs have been deliberately bred to have extremely flattened snouts and tiny heads, which severely affect their health. 'These unfortunate animals cannot draw enough air into their narrowed nostrils and often need to breathe through their mouths, leading them to snort, snore, and gasp. This condition can sometimes be fatal.' Ms Taylor added: 'Bulldogs and others bred to be inherently unwell are frequent visitors to the vet and, during the cost-of-living crisis, are at even greater risk of physical deterioration, neglect, abandonment, and even death if their guardians can't afford to keep addressing the maladies borne of their mutations.' The bulldog has long been seen as an emblem of Britain and its culture, featuring in art, postcards and cartoons, as well as being a common mascot in the Army and Navy. However, the breed suffers from a range of health conditions, linked to extreme breeding for its trademark flat face, short snout and wide skull. A study by the Royal Veterinary College found that bulldogs were twice as likely to face health problems as other breeds. The Bank has invited the public to share their views on what should feature on the latest iteration of banknotes across six potential themes. A portrait of King Charles will also be included on all the designs. However, the consultation, which closes on July 31, has received criticism. Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former Brexit minister, has accused the central bank of undermining the nation's currency. He told The Telegraph: 'The whole idea of a redesign is foolish. 'Fiat currencies depend upon confidence, which is undermined by silly or cheap designs. This is bad for the Bank's credibility. Bank of England reform is looking increasingly important.' A Bank spokesman said: 'The consultation asks the public what broad themes – rather than specific imagery – they would like to see on the design of the next series of banknotes. 'These responses will help inform the next steps. Their views will make sure the final banknote designs reflect the values that people across the UK resonate with. We have set out criteria that any successful theme should not involve imagery that would reasonably be offensive to, or exclude, any groups. 'Banknote re-designs do not undermine the currency. New designs allow us to increase the strength of the security features and maintain trust in banknotes.'
