Bentley Motors Strengthens Responsible Sourcing Strategy with Enhanced Standards for Sustainable Luxury Materials

Animal Leather & Wood Sourcing Statements

(IN BRIEF) Bentley Motors has strengthened its commitment to responsible luxury by introducing an updated Responsible Raw Material Sourcing Policy Statement as part of its Beyond100+ strategy. The policy sets stricter standards for sourcing key materials such as leather, wool, and wood veneers, with a strong focus on animal welfare, sustainable forestry, and ethical supply chains. Aligned with Volkswagen Group frameworks, the initiative emphasizes transparency, traceability, and supplier accountability. Bentley also requires compliance with regulatory standards and certification schemes while exploring circular material solutions. Supported by collaboration with suppliers and continuous improvement measures, the policy reinforces Bentley’s ambition to combine high-end craftsmanship with sustainable and ethical practices across its global operations.

(PRESS RELEASE) CREWE, 14-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Bentley Motors has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible luxury by introducing an updated Responsible Raw Material Sourcing Policy Statement, strengthening its approach to ethical sourcing, animal welfare, and sustainable material use across its global operations. The initiative forms a key part of the company’s broader Beyond100+ strategy, which places sustainability at the centre of its long-term vision.

The policy establishes clear guidelines for sourcing core interior materials—including leather, wool, and wood veneers—used in vehicles produced at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe. These materials are required to meet rigorous environmental, social, and ethical standards, reflecting the brand’s ambition to combine traditional craftsmanship with responsible business practices.

Aligned with the Volkswagen Group Responsible Raw Material Policy, Bentley’s updated framework adopts a risk-based due diligence model that emphasizes transparency, traceability, and continuous improvement across its supplier network. The approach is designed to address the complexities of global supply chains while ensuring compliance with internationally recognised human rights and environmental standards.

A central focus of the policy is the enhancement of animal welfare requirements. Bentley mandates that all leather used in its vehicles complies with European Union or equivalent national animal welfare legislation. Suppliers must adhere to approved certification schemes and undergo third-party verification, with strict prohibitions on certain practices and materials. Ongoing monitoring and reporting are required to ensure sustained compliance.

The policy also reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainable forestry. All wood veneers must meet regulatory standards such as the EU Deforestation Regulation and UK Timber Regulations, ensuring sourcing from responsibly managed forests. Bentley continues to prioritise third-party certification and is exploring the use of recycled and reconstituted wood materials to support circularity while maintaining premium quality and design.

Marine Godot highlighted that modern luxury is increasingly defined by the values underpinning material choices, emphasizing the importance of responsible sourcing in maintaining the brand’s standards.

Frank-Steffen Walliser noted that the policy is intended to evolve over time, reflecting changes in legislation, industry expectations, and the company’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability practices.

Bentley supports these initiatives through close collaboration with suppliers, incorporating regular risk assessments, training programs, and transparent reporting mechanisms. This integrated approach ensures that responsible sourcing principles are embedded throughout the entire value chain.

Through its Beyond100+ strategy, Bentley is redefining luxury mobility by combining environmental stewardship, ethical sourcing, and innovation. The updated policy underscores the company’s long-term commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles that align with evolving expectations around sustainability and responsible business conduct.

Notes to editors
From W.O. Bentley, who founded Bentley Motors in 1919, to the current team of dedicated colleagues, the company’s extraordinary cars have always been designed and built by exceptional people using only the finest of materials.

From modest beginnings, Bentley has moved from strength to strength – in a relentless pursuit of both luxury and performance. W.O.’s vision continues to guide Bentley’s beliefs, actions and ambitions.

Located in Crewe, England and owned by the Volkswagen Group since 1998, Bentley Motors remains the definitive British luxury car company, crafting the world’s most desirable high performance grand tourers. Bentley’s colleagues design, engineer and handcraft five bespoke models: Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Bentayga EWB. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations and engineering expertise is unique to Bentley.

The luxury marque is creating a future driven by new technologies, materials, fuels and skills, in the pursuit of a progressive, new world: one in which the highest levels of luxury mobility are achieved with sustainable methods.

Media Contacts:

Angus Fitton
Chief Communications Officer
angus.fitton@bentley.co.uk
+44(0) 7554 873698

Max Harris-Jones
Sustainability & Community
Communications Manager
maxim.harris@bentley.co.uk
+44 (0) 7990 781065

SOURCE: Bentley