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Kmart and Target have announced measures to strengthen their commitments to animal welfare, by moving to phase out mulesed wool. 

Target has stated that it wants to phase out the material by July 2023, replacing it completely with an alternative from either: "farms certified under the Responsible Wool Standard or equivalent standard; or farms that are fully traceable and verified as non-mulesed; or from recycled wool materials." 

Kmart will work to meet the same commitment by July 2024. 

The businesses have also made commitments to leather sourcing, producing an animal welfare policy which aims to cover all of the key animal derived-materials they use.

These actions follow similar commitments made by other Australian fashion brands this year, including David Jones and Country Road Group including brands Witchery and Politix.

Decjuba and Forever New have also strengthened their commitments to animal welfaire, joining the Fur Free Retailer initiative in 2019. 

Four Paws Australia head of programmes Jessica Medcalf said that the actions Australian brands are taking on this issue is a step in the right direction. 

"Over two billion animals end up in fashion supply chains every year.

"Many of them endure pain, fear and stress due to cruel mutilation practices like mulesing, and inadequate living conditions for the sake of clothing.

"Right now, there is little in place to protect their welfare.

"While we have a long way to go, it’s wonderful to see the raft of Aussie brands starting to take steps towards prioritising animal welfare.

"It demonstrates that shoppers want kinder clothing, and that many brands are now listening.

"Robust fashion policies aimed at reducing animal welfare risk and improving supply chain transparency, will result in real-world benefits for animals.

"Brands who opt to only use fabrics or textiles which do not allow for cruel animal practices or treatment, while also striving for positive environmental and human welfare attributes, will be the brands who are better prepared for the ever-growing ethical fashion movement," she said. 

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