In an age where animal rights are nearly impossible to ignore, Kering, one of the leading fashion companies, has taken a huge step in the right direction for animal welfare. In a milestone exchange of talks with PETA U.K., the company has finally confirmed the ban on angora fur—a bold move that may initiate a domino effect in the fashion industry.
1. Kering’s Commitment to Animal Welfare
Kering is dedicated to the highest standards of animal welfare in the fashion and luxury industry. Our commitment is reflected in the group’s comprehensive policies, which ensure that animals used in Kering-owned manufacturing processes are treated in responsibly and humanely.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of animals, Kering has implemented a series of policies on the management of animal-derived materials. We have established a zero tolerance policy on the use of endangered species, carefully evaluating each product transaction and continuously reviewing and evolving our policies. We are also strict on our adherence to ethical sourcing of wool, cashmere, and fur. The focus is on identifying and managing responsible animal sources, such as farms that are registered to accredited local and national governmental laws.
- We promote the humane treatment of animals
- We only source animal products from certified farms
- We strictly regulate the use of endangered species
- We are continuously evolving our policies
2. Kering’s Collaboration with PETA U.K
Kering, a leading global luxury group, recently collaborated with PETA U.K. in a perfectly fashionable collaboration. Kering and PETA U.K. are united in their commitment to animal welfare, making this collaboration a natural and meaningful one. The partnership has allowed these two socially-conscious entities to come together to further their mission of protecting animals.
- Kering is donating thousands of dollars to PETA U.K. to assist it in its efforts to advance animal rights.
- Kering has also invested in the design and manufacture of a specially commissioned range of apparel for PETA U.K. which will bear the message to “Go Fur-Free Now!”
- The range will be made from sustainable materials, ensuring that no animals were harmed in the making of these products.
In addition to these financial and material support initiatives, Kering staff members have volunteered to work side-by-side with PETA U.K. in its London-based headquarters. Through this collaboration, everyone will have access to the resources and expertise necessary to create lasting impact for animal welfare.
3. Kering’s Ban on Angora
In the past few years, Kering has strongly shown its commitment to ban the use of Angora products from its brands. This fur-free stance, due significantly to the mistreatment of rabbits revealed by the animal rights organisation PETA, has caught the media’s attention and defied the standard practices of the luxury fashion industry.
This starting point has led Kering to eliminate any products made of Angora fur from its group’s maisons. Additionally, Kering has been promoting a more responsible and ethical use of animal resources by strictly adhering to a code of conduct throughout its Supply Chain. These rules include inquiries into animal wellbeing and the preservation of their natural habitats, animal welfare and the prohibition of animal testing.
4. Making Way for Sustainable Alternatives
In the face of climate change, it’s increasingly important to make way for sustainable alternatives. The goal is to break the existing dependency on fossil fuels and prioritize renewable energy in order to reduce emissions and find truly clean, green sources of energy.
What are some of these alternatives? Solar energy has made huge strides in recent years, with the advent of sophisticated solar panels that can capture the sun’s energy at small and large scales. Wind power is also becoming more viable, with turbines now able to be placed in windy areas or atop tall buildings. We may even see:
- Hydropower from dams built in rivers
- Geothermal energy from underground heat sources
- Biomass energy from decaying organic material
Sustainable energy could be at the heart of a new economic system that protects the environment and creates an abundance of opportunity for the next century. It all depends on how it’s harnessed and used responsibly to make an impact on our planet.
The decision by Kering to implement a ban on angora products across their brands is undoubtedly a huge step in the right direction. This progress is a result of activism and conversations between Kering and PETA U.K., but this is only the beginning. Let’s hope that further moves are made in support of animal welfare and that in the future, the use of angora is a distant memory.
