By skipping the labor-intensive process of using traditional recycled fiber materials, Lotus made room to incorporate its own methods, indicated Lecoq. \u201cWe are using recycled fashion industry garments, and we chose to combine those materials and create a new yarn for the interior, and we are pleased with its premium look,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe also have a PVC-free cabin, which is quite rare today,\u201d claims Lecoq. Greenpeace has labeled polyvinyl chloride materials as \u201cpoison plastics\u201d as they can release hazardous chemicals and potentially contaminate air, water, and food if not disposed of in an environmentally conscious manner.<\/p>\n
Lecoq stopped short of sharing the proportion of sustainable materials in the Emeya\u2019s cabin but indicated that it was significant.<\/p>\n
We have a full PU [polyurethane] interior. Every part of the car you touch is PU. And also textiles. PU is a lot lighter than leather. You can gain up to 20-30 percent [in weight savings]. We are covering pretty much all the surfaces with premium and sustainable materials.<\/p>\n
Carmakers have been commonly using PU for decades in seats, headrests, armrests, and even instrument panels for comfort, durability, and weight savings. Even though toxicity and recyclability isn\u2019t an issue with PU, some reports suggest that it might not be entirely emissions-free through its production cycle.<\/p>\n
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Although, Lotus seems to be far from developing a 100 percent sustainable interior. Talking about sustainability, the brand is only covering the \u201cA surfaces,\u201d which is what customers touch and feel on a regular basis, indicated Lecoq. The \u201cB surfaces\u201d that form the inside layer might still be made from regular materials.<\/p>\n
Nappa leather appears to be optional on the Emeya, which conflicts with the brand\u2019s sustainability targets.<\/p>\n
I don’t think leather is bad. It depends on your supplier, the quality, and also how you treat animals. It\u2019s a bioproduct, there is no chemical applied to it, so there is space for it. It can’t be [used] 100 percent in the world we live in so we have to treat it respectfully.<\/p>\n
Lotus might have some catching up to do compared to its Geely-owned sister brands. Volvo EVs are already leather-free. The EX90 uses over 100 pounds of recycled and bio-based materials. Polestar models are available with a 100 percent vegan interior, although Nappa leather that \u201cadheres to strict animal welfare standards\u201d is optional.<\/p>\n
That said, Lecoq\u2019s design team faced challenges while collaborating internationally.<\/p>\n
\nThe car is built in China. By sourcing materials from the UK, you have to ship everything across the planet. So I think that’s also the internal question we had if it made sense. It\u2019s also partnership and collaboration, and not just the design team pushing for it. Everyone needs to be on board with it including, purchasing, engineering, and suppliers.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n