Authentic leather, which would otherwise become waste in the meat industry and end up in landfills, and olive tree leaves that would be burned are the primary materials used for environmentally conscious upholstery in Enyaq cars. When customers opt for the EcoSuite Design Selection, they can enjoy seats with sustainable upholstery.
To create these seats, two waste products undergo a unique process that eliminates the need for chemicals typically used in leather tanning. Instead, the leather is treated with a special extract derived from olive tree leaves. This extract contains a natural substance produced by olive trees to repel animal pests. The process of creating the extract resembles the infusion of tea and adheres to the highest standards set by the food industry. It is crucial to note that the leaves used in this process are waste from the olive harvest, ensuring no trees are cut down.
Approximately 215,000 olive leaves are required to produce the tanning extract for a single Enyaq vehicle. Without this extract, the leather itself would not be suitable for upholstery. The resulting product, known as Olivenleder®, meets Škoda’s strict quality requirements concerning durability, appearance, and overall feel. This has been verified through machine tests and numerous assessments conducted by independent experts.
Johannes Neft, a board member responsible for technical development at Škoda, emphasizes their innovative approach to every detail and component when developing new models. They prioritize circular economy standards throughout the entire process, starting from the initial drawings, material selection, technical optimization, and concluding with rigorous testing phases. All products and materials used must meet the highest standards expected by their customers.
Karsten Schnake, the board member for purchasing at Škoda, highlights their commitment to working with partners who share their vision of future mobility while minimizing environmental impact. They value craftsmanship that prioritizes long-lasting quality and customer satisfaction. The ecological tanning process exemplifies their dedication to attention to detail and passion for reducing their environmental footprint while advancing sustainability. This commitment is deeply ingrained in Škoda’s DNA and reflects their understanding of progressing step by step toward a sustainable future.
Škoda places significant emphasis on sustainability and circular economy principles in the design of their vehicles. The use of leather tanned with olive leaf extract is just one example of the environmentally friendly materials and processes employed by the Czech carmaker. In addition to the Enyaq, the Karoq compact SUV also features upholstery made from recycled materials, including fabrics composed of 70% recycled PET bottles.
By increasingly adopting these approaches, Škoda aims to meet and exceed the latest and most demanding customer expectations. Looking ahead, the company envisions that all natural leather upholstery in their vehicles will be produced in supremely eco-friendly ways.
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