When the company first used Olivenleder®, it was more than just a material choice – it was a strong statement for sustainable premium interiors. The leather, tanned with olive leaf extract, made the BMW i3 the pioneer of an entire movement and proved that luxury and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive.
From laboratory to production model
The development began years ago in cooperation with wet‑green®. The goal: a full-fledged automotive leather that meets the strict BMW specifications, tanned with a Cradle2Cradle™ Certified GOLD tanning agent, but 100% bio-based tanned and completely free of chrome and other metals. In 2013, the BMW i3 went into series production with this leather, followed in 2014 by the BMW i8– and today the fully electric BMW iX with Olivenleder® in the interior. BMW proudly displays this by embossing the Olivenleder® logo on the instrument panel.
Made for Mobility
Olivenleder® Not only does it meet all technical specifications (abrasion, light resistance, emissions), it also delivers the typical premium feel that BMW customers expect. The vegetable tanning process is based on olive tree pruning residues—a waste product is transformed into a high-end material.
Signal effect for the industry
With the i3, BMW set a visible example: Sustainable materials based on the Cradle to Cradle principle belong in series production, not just in show cars. Since then, design and development departments of other manufacturers have been using Olivenleder® back – proof that scalability and premium quality go hand in hand.
The beginning of a movement
Today, other car brands, tanneries and luxury manufacturers work with Olivenleder®But the courage to take the first step in 2013 will never be forgotten. Thank you, BMW.