Animal welfare group Four Paws has developed the world’s first 'Animal Welfare in Fashion Report'.
Four Paws Australia head of programmes Jessica Medcalf said there is room for brands to improve their policies.
“Animals are suffering for fashion, and shoppers want change. It’s time to make the treatment of animals used for fashion a priority, and recognise animal protection as an essential third pillar of ethical fashion."
The report is based on a study of 77 leading Australian and global brands, with the majority owned by nine of the world’s top 20 publicly listed fashion companies.
Together, they have an estimated market value of over US$550 billion.
The Animal Welfare in Fashion Report assesses the extent to which companies are addressing animal welfare risks in their supply chains, with a focus on four key spotlight issues of material consideration – wool, down, exotic leather and fur.
While there have been efforts made by several brands on animal welfare, Four Paws research found that most brands lack:
1. An awareness of animal welfare issues found in common textile supply chains. Only 38% of the fashion brands consider animal welfare risks to some degree in their supply chains and purchasing practices.
2. Thorough and effective animal welfare policies. Just 25% of fashion brands have formal animal welfare policies in place to help safeguard animals from these risks. And just 9% of brands have both an animal welfare policy and meet at least three of five best practice animal welfare principles as set out by Four Paws.
3. Traceability in animal-based fashion supply chains, and end-to-end traceability overall. There is a real gap between what brand’s formal policies and statements say, and what they actually do. Only 35% of those with an animal welfare policy are tracing at least some of their animal-based materials, with more than half the brands demonstrating zero evidence of knowing anything about the animal-based textiles they source.
4. Transparency to customers about where animal-based products come from and the welfare risks for the animals involved. Just 21% of brands implement assurance schemes which prioritise animal welfare i.e. certified wool and down.
But it is not all bad news, as there are many brands that have taken proactive steps forward.
Four Paws also researched the key steps every responsible brand should take to minimize their risk, and maximise their ethical credentials.
To integrate animal welfare in a sustainable fashion future, it recommends that brands:
1. Need to cover the basics on animal welfare such as developing a robust animal welfare policy with a vision and an implementation plan, for how to achieve and monitor good animal welfare and transparency practices.
2. Make a credible commitment to animal welfare, including the adoption of the best available certification systems, with the highest standard of animal care, to ensure traceability and be able to verify the brand’s claims made in relation to animal welfare.
3. Address, monitor and report on animal welfare risks in the supply chain, including the incorporation of animal welfare considerations in decisions by corporate social responsibility and compliance teams and departments involved in sourcing, purchasing and design.
“The fashion industry must hold itself accountable for animal welfare in its transition towards sustainability and better corporate social responsibility,” Medcalf said.
“Animal welfare considerations have been found to be particularly relevant to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to fashion. If the impact of the coronavirus outbreak this year and the SDGs are any indication, the difference over the next decade, between the good and the best performers in terms of ethical fashion, could be down to the brands who integrate animal welfare considerations in their supply chains versus those who do not.”