No More Chrome in Volvo's Leather Interiors

Chromed parts definitely look good on most cars, but this doesn't necessarily mean that it is 100 percent recommended. Even though most people say that leather-tanning is an incredibly complex process, only a few actually know that most carmakers make use of chromium which can often cause all kinds of rashes to those allergic to chrome. That's why Volvo decided to designed a chromium-free process for all its leather interiors, a move said to “benefit both man and nature,” according to a press release signed by the Swedish carmaker.

"At Volvo Cars, we have worked a long time with our suppliers to reduce chrome in the passenger cabin. Also hexavalent chrome, a well-known allergen, has been phased-out all through the car, in all Volvo models", says Andreas Andersson, responsible for clean car interiors at Volvo Cars.

In short terms, Volvo is now making use of either natural of synthetic tanning materials in order to reduce the impact of chromium over those people with chrome allergy. Aside from the fact that it protects human beings, the new move also reduces the overall environmental impact. “All leather in Volvo car interiors also fulfills the requirements of Oeko Tex Standard 100,” Volvo stated, explaining that the company found a better way to design stylish interiors without the strong impact chromium had on both people and nature.

“Chrome is a frequent skin sensitizer and for those with chrome allergy, touching leather tanned with chrome may cause contact eczema - a rash which itches and persists for several days. Avoidance is the only long-term management strategy for chrome allergy,” the Swedish carmaker explained in the statement.