Mercedes-Benz has launched it's first car with an interior fully certified by the Vegan Society's trademark.
The new GLC with EQ Technology can now be ordered with a unique Vegan Package. This ensures that every interior surface, from the ARTICO replica leather seats to the steering wheel, door trims and centre console, has been tested and certified by the Vegan Society's Trademark team.
The certification confirms that Mercedes materials used contain no animal-derived ingredients and have not been tested on, or derived from animals at any point in the production process.
More sustainable and animal friendly products were introduced as a concept in the Mercedes-Benz Sustaineer concept van as early as 2022, which was an example of the work Mercedes is doing to use more sustainable materials in its production models.
Mercedes later added to the concept with the introduction of a new eSprinter delivery concept with e-Bike. The Sustaineer van and bike were both used as demonstator vehicles hinting at the future development Mercedes products would take, specifically models due to be developed using the new van.ea platform.
Next generation Mercedes vans will be based on the so-called VAN.EA platform, with the first model set to be revealed next month. Van Reviewer has previously spoken to Mercedes executives about the sustainability role the future vehicle will play, with sustainable materials reported to play a large part in the future development of new vehicles and their interiors.
The new Vegan Package for the GLC appears to be the first step in Mercedes' eco-ambitions to futher improve its sustainability and is a big step to meet consumer demand for more sustainable and ethical products.
It is the first time a car interior has received third-party certification and approval from the Vegan Trademark.
To secure the certification, around 100 different material components from Mercedes-Benz's suppliers were rigorously tested against the Vegan Trademark's standards. Mercedes says this commitment to thorough testing was a key factor in its choice of a certification partner.
The Vegan Package will be identified by using the Vegan Trademark sunflower logo in the vehicle's online configurator.
Mercedes plans to progressively roll out this vegan option to more of its model series in the future.
