Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV - Resource-saving luxury - Mercedes-Maybach introduces vegetable-tanned nappa leather

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV is the first model from Mercedes-Benz AG to feature vegetable-tanned leather. Among other things, coffee bean husks are used as the tanning agent. The water used for tanning is conducted in a closed circuit and flows back into natural waters after reprocessing. The fatliquors used in the tanning process are also exclusively vegetable-based. The sustainably processed leather is not preserved with salt. This saves around 45 kilograms of salt per vehicle with leather seats. The "by-products" of the tanning process are used to create new upcycling products such as compostable flower pots, insulation foams or decking boards. The sustainably processed leather thus conserves resources. Coffee farmers also benefit. They receive a second income from the sale of the coffee bean shells. Mercedes-Benz has defined binding criteria for sustainably processed genuine leather. For example, one important award requirement for suppliers is that the leather supply chain must be free of any form of illegal deforestation. Grazing areas must not contribute to the endangerment or loss of natural forests. In this context, partners must disclose their entire supply chain from the farm region to the final product. Furthermore, the leather hides must only come from animals raised in a species-appropriate manner. Only vegetable or alternatively sustainable tanning agents that are completely chrome-free may be used for tanning. For the finished leather, Mercedes-Benz requires its partners to provide a life cycle assessment covering all stages of the value creation process.