Editor’s Note: As CFDA members continue to debate the use of real fur versus fur-free, we asked the International Fur Federation and the Humane Society of the United States to each make their case through an editorial. The views expressed in this feature article are those of the International Fur Federation.
Natural Fur: The Responsible Choice
Fur has always been treasured for its timeless beauty, luxuriousness and ability to provide warmth. Its long-lasting versatility and popularity transcends time — something that can be passed down through generations. Over 67 percent of runways will be showing fur this year, proving it remains a coveted item with consumers, retailers and designers, but some designers are now opting to use fake fur instead. However, opting for fake fur isn’t a slam dunk alternative. In fact, a mountain of evidence suggests natural fur is the best choice when it comes to sustainability and the environment.
Wild caught fur ensures wildlife biodiversity and aids in the protection of endangered species. This is because the trapping of over-abundant predators, such as coyotes and foxes, prevents them from preying on endangered wildlife. Even if the fur trade didn’t exist, trapping would.
Farmed fur, such as mink and fox, is another sustainability success story. Family run farms play an important role in the agricultural cycle for many reasons. Farmed mink and fox are fed left-overs from our own food production which then does not need to go into landfills. The manure, bedding, and carcasses are composted to produce organic fertilizers to replenish the soil. Mink oil is used as a conditioner for leather and the meat is used in biofuel or as lure in the fishing industry.
Some argue the treatment of animals is the reason they don’t want to use natural fur, but animal welfare standards are taken very seriously by the fur trade. For wild caught furs, there are a myriad of local, state, and federal controls in place. There are two international treaties on humane trapping standards along with two International Standardization Organization (ISO) standards. Trap testing is conducted regularly to ensure traps meet criteria as set forth by the ISO.
Farmed fur is regulated through global government agencies and the science-based standards of care have been developed with guidance of veterinarians, animal scientists, and animal welfare representatives. Oversight of the standards is monitored and inspections by third-party auditors are implemented. Farms meeting the required standards of care receive certification but still require ongoing assessments.
Fake fur, on the other hand, is made from a combination of polymers, petrochemicals and plastics, which contaminate the waterways and clog landfills. Several politicians from the State of California recognize this and have introduced Bill AB2379, the microfiber wash bill, into the State Assembly, which deals with harmful effects of polymer-based clothing from the release of tiny plastic microbeads during every wash cycle. Those microbeads are then discharged into the wastewater and end up in our oceans, upsetting the delicate marine ecosystem. They then enter the food chain after being swallowed up by marine life. This bill is only the beginning; the debate over polymers, microfibers, and fake fur will not stop in California.
With the facts in hand, it’s hard to argue there is only one sustainable option — natural fur, the responsible choice.
Nancy Daigneault is the Vice President, Americas, for the International Fur Federation.
