Vegan Society confirms world-first Vegan certification for Mercedes-Benz

The first car to offer interior fittings certified by the Vegan Society’s market-leading Vegan Trademark has been unveiled by Mercedes-Benz.

The new GLC with EQ Technology can now be ordered to include the unique Vegan Package, which means that all touch points in the vehicle’s interior, from the high quality ARTICO replica leather seats to the steering wheel, door trims and centre console have been tested and certified by the Vegan Society’s Trademark team.

This confirms that the materials contain no animal ingredients, derivatives or by-products.

The interior has not been tested on animals by the company or on its behalf.

Gabriela Chalkia-Jackson, client relations manager at The Vegan Society said: “With this joint project between The Vegan Society and Mercedes-Benz, we have reached a new milestone: it is the first time that a car interior has been third-party certified and approved by the Vegan Trademark.

“We are thrilled that Mercedes-Benz chose to partner with us on this journey and we have certainly learnt a lot from the two-year project.”

The world's leading certification system for vegan products tested a total of around 100 material components from various Mercedes-Benz suppliers in accordance with Vegan Trademark certification standards.

These high standards were particularly important to Mercedes-Benz in its choice of which independent organisation used to certify its new Vegan Package.

Markus Schäfer, chief technology officer, Development & Procurement and member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG said: “At Mercedes-Benz, we don't take shortcuts – instead, we go the extra mile.

“The certification of our vegan interior by The Vegan Society underlines this approach. Transparency and trust are very important to us.

“Our customers can rest assured that our vegan interior materials do not contain any animal products and meet very high testing standards.

“We are delighted to be able to offer them this assurance through our partnership with an independent and globally recognised certification organisation.”

Mercedes-Benz’s vehicle configurator will be clearly labelled with the Vegan Trademark’s popular sunflower logo.

Further information about the Vegan Trademark from The Vegan Society is available here.