Luxury goes sustainable – Experts share their insights

Linda Lisa Maria Turunen, is a research fellow (PhD) at Aalto University and author of the book Interpretations of Luxury Exploring the Consumer Perspective.

“Luxury is something you desire, but isn’t easy to access. When something becomes accessible to everyone, like soap or spices, it no longer holds its luxury value.”
 

Paul De’Ath is a Course leader of product design at Central Saint Martins, University of Arts London. Previously he’s worked in consultancy practice and in-house corporate teams across many business sectors.

“It’s the responsibility of the manufacturer to understand more than what the customers want and to think about what is actually needed. And light weight cars are one of those things.”
 

Matthias Schmidt is an European automotive market analyst. He has 15 years of experience serving the highest-ranking executives and decision-makers in and around the industry.

“Green and sustainable choices have become something to boast about. When you turn up at a golf club in an electronic vehicle it’s no longer frowned upon but seen as a status symbol.”
 

Gerd Unkelbach works at UPM Biochemicals as a director of molecular bioproducts. UPM Biochemicals develops sustainable solutions for textile and car industries.

“People who buy luxury cars are financing the development of new materials. The whole society will benefit as these innovations are implemented in broader market.” 

Learn more

Cars just went electric – but it’s not enough

Green electric vehicles and lightning-speed 6G: How wood-based electronics could turn the industry upside down

Windows, roads and rubber from trees? 4 wood-based alternatives to fossils that are almost too good to be true