All leather in all Volvo car interiors chrome-free for allergy-sufferers

To alleviate for those who have chrome allergy, all leather used in Volvo car interiors has been treated in a chromium-free tanning process, using either natural or synthetic tanning materials. This benefits both man and nature.

Chrome is a frequent skin sensitiser 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.

All leather used in Volvo car interiors has been tanned in a chromium-free tanning process, using either natural or synthetic tanning materials. In addition to benefiting those with chrome allergy, it also reduces environmental impact from the tanning process. All leather in Volvo car interiors also fulfills the requirements of Oeko Tex Standard 100.

"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.

22 January 2009