Brands have been going fur-free during the pandemic while introducing more environmentally friendly practices. While organizations like the Humane Society of the U.S. and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have been fighting for years to create a more humane world for animals, the number of brands that have doubled down on their animal practices (like committing to no longer selling fur) has significantly increased in recent months. Saks Fifth Avenue, Canada Goose, Kering, Oscar de la Renta, Balenciaga, and multiple more brands are going fur-free while some companies are producing more sustainable materials. Bolt Threads (a Biotech startup) now produces leather-like material, called Mylo, from the root structure of mushrooms that will show up in Lululemon, Adidas, and Stella McCartney products next year, and Furoid (another Biotech startup) is developing a technique to grow fur and wool fibers in labs. Climate change/environmental efforts are a top cause Gen Z and Millennials want brands involved in, and it directly impacts a brand’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts in the eyes of young consumers. (Adweek)
