Animal-free Fashion: Innovative and Sustainable Faux Fur

Fashions featuring faux or vegan fur designs are rapidly on the rise. This movement is occurring due to the growing global concern about animal welfare. According to the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), “85% of the fur industry’s skins come from animals living in captivity.” Apart from being made in a manner that prioritizes the welfare of animals, these animal-free designs are also good for the environment. This makes faux fur a more ecological choice for both workers at textile factories and for customers. With modern technology, innovative ways to make gorgeous, eco-friendly faux fur from sustainable materials are growing rapidly.

A new generation of companies producing animal-free jackets and various “fur” coats in an array of bright colors is flourishing in the fashion industry. One remarkable example is Ecopel, a Franco-Chinese company that's revolutionizing the faux fur marketplace by providing options that are kinder to both animals and the planet. Ecopel’s innovative method of producing and supplying fashionable faux fur is highly commendable. By employing a closed-loop technology, the water and chemicals used in production are recycled. In this way, a circular approach to manufacturing in the fashion industry is prioritized and waste is minimized.

In Kyiv, Ukraine, design company DevoHome specializes in various types of fabrics made from hemp fibers. The company’s plant-based ‘fur’ is able to mimic the warming properties of real animal fur. The hemp used to make the “fur” is grown free from pesticides and herbicides and is 100 percent organic. It’s also completely biodegradable and has natural antimicrobial properties. In addition to its thermal qualities, the hemp is breathable, making it more comfortable than most synthetic fabrics.

Even as the fashion industry begins making the positive change to being completely fur-free, so too are governments around the world. We’re delighted to report that just recently Israel became the first country in the world to completely ban all sales and purchasing of fur clothing! The ban, which will go into effect at the end of 2021, was first proposed in October 2020 by Israel’s Minister of Environment Protection, the Honorable Gila Gamliel, who says, “There is no need and no justification for the use of fur in the garment industry,” adding, “I call on all countries to join us, and together we will show benevolence and act kindly towards animals.”