New ‘cruelty-free’ Mercedes C-Class is second to gain official Vegan Trademark

From veganfoodandliving.com

The new electric C-Class has been awarded the Vegan Trademark by The Vegan Society, making it the second vegan-certified Mercedes-Benz model following the GLC’s certification in 2025

After launching the ‘world’s first’ vegan-certified car interior last year, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its partnership with The Vegan Society with the launch of the new electric C-Class.

This sleek executive saloon is now the second Mercedes model to offer vegan interior fittings certified by the Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark.

The certification follows a rigorous audit of approximately 100 different components. From the car’s ARTICO replica leather seats to the steering wheel, door trims, and centre console, every part has been scrutinised to ensure it contains no animal-derived materials.

The Vegan Trademark’s ‘sunflower’ logo also confirms that no animal testing was conducted by the company or on its behalf.

Speaking on the collaboration, Karen Spinner, Sales and Marketing Manager at the Vegan Trademark, stated: “The Vegan Trademark team is delighted to continue its relationship with Mercedes-Benz, and it’s fantastic to see this beautiful new all-electric model launched with the option of a vegan certified interior.”

How Mercedes achieved its Vegan Trademark

The certification process was thorough, involving a two-year project to ensure supply chain transparency. Mercedes-Benz worked closely with suppliers to reformulate components wherever animal-based elements were detected.

This meticulous approach has set a new benchmark for the industry, proving that high-performance luxury and veganism are no longer mutually exclusive.

As Ms Spinner noted, the hope is that other automotive brands will be “inspired to follow their lead” in offering transparent, certified alternatives to traditional leather.

Mercedes-Benz all-new electric C-Class

Beyond its ethical interior, the electric C-Class is a powerful and sporty car. With a striking coupé-style silhouette and an iconic Mercedes grille featuring 1,050 illuminated dots, it boasts a staggering WLTP range of up to 473 miles, aimed squarely at dethroning its long-range rivals.

The cabin is dominated by the optional 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, offering an immersive digital experience that feels more like a cockpit from the future than a traditional car. For those who enjoy a bit of theatre, the panoramic glass roof features 162 illuminated stars that synchronise with the ambient lighting.

Mercedes-Benz has ensured that opting for a vegan interior doesn’t mean sacrificing the “S-Class levels of comfort” the model is known for. By integrating these animal-free options directly into the online vehicle configurator, the brand is making it easier than ever for drivers to choose sustainability without compromising on prestige.

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/vegan-trademark-mercedes-benz-c-class/

Vegan Trademark Standards

From vegansociety.com

The Vegan Trademark is the authentic international vegan standard that was created by The Vegan Society; the charity that coined the term 'vegan' back in 1944. Our dedicated and experienced vegan team check each product application against the below criteria, working with manufacturers and suppliers across a range of fields to ensure that each product meets the highest vegan standards. The Vegan Trademark is renewed on a yearly basis to ensure we have the most up to date information on all the products we certify. 

Animals

---

The Vegan Society understands the word 'animal' to refer to the entire animal kingdom. That is all vertebrates and all multicellular invertebrates. 'Animal' can refer to a species or an individual; and is used as a noun or an adjective, as required. Unless otherwise stated, it usually means non-human animals.

Animal ingredients

---

The manufacture and/or development of the product, and its ingredients, must not involve or have involved, the use of any animal product, by-product or derivative.

Animal testing

---

The development and/or manufacture of the product, and its ingredients, must not involve or have involved, testing of any sort on animals conducted at the initiative of the company or on its behalf, or by parties over whom the company has effective control. 

Cross-contamination

The Vegan Trademark standards require brands to minimise cross-contamination as far as is reasonably practicable and possible. Brands should be able to confirm that their company strives diligently to minimise cross contamination from animal* substances used in other (non-vegan) products.

Restaurants and Catering Establishments: As a minimum, surfaces and utensils must be thoroughly cleaned down prior to being used for preparing, cooking and serving vegan products. Brands must be aware of the risk of cross-contamination from non-vegan sources in the storage and production areas and take all reasonable, practical steps to eliminate this. If producing non-vegan dishes, we strongly recommend preparing/cooking the vegan dishes first.

Manufacturing Facilities: Companies must be aware of the risk from ingredients of animal* origin (including derivatives) in the production area and take all reasonable, practical steps to eliminate this. Potential methods of cross-contamination prevention to consider include: sufficient segregation measures, effective hygiene and good management practices. As a minimum, production lines must be thoroughly cleaned down (and flushed, if necessary, with a vegan-suitable material) prior to being used for a vegan production line. If producing non-vegan lines at the same facilities, we strongly recommend running the vegan line first.

*The Vegan Society understands the word “animal” to refer to the entire Animal Kingdom, that is all vertebrates and multi-cellular invertebrates.”

https://www.vegansociety.com/trademark/vegan-trademark-standards