Another of the worlds leading fashion maisons has stepped onto the fur-free bandwagon, assuring style-watchers that it will take a more compassionate and sustainable approach to produce its signature ski wear and casual wear.
Italian brand Moncler recently announced its plans to go fur-free by 2025. According to an official company statement, this shift towards fur-free production is Moncler’s way of helping protect the world’s increasingly endangered wildlife and ensuring a better future for all life on earth.
Small Steps to Ethical Sustainability
The company went on to say that this initiative is in keeping with several of its commitments to adhere to more responsible corporate and manufacturing processes, including a long-standing partnership with LAV, one of Italy’s leading animal rights groups.
However, Moncler’s move towards going fur-free will be done in stages as opposed to a single overarching move. Beginning this year, it will end fur-sourcing, making its upcoming Fall/Winter 2023 collections the last one to be made with furs.
Nevertheless, the Moncler initiative was hailed by a number of organizations, including the Humane Society International. Claire Bass, UK director for the Humane Society, declared that they were thrilled with Moncler’s decision to ban fur. She added that this would put more pressure on the British government to recognize the increasing demand to end the fur trade by banning the sale and import of fur within the current decade.
The Down Issue
But while Moncler will be actively shunning fur from production, it has no plans to do away with its use of down – the soft layer of feathers found close to the skin of ducks, geese, and swans – as the primary insulation for its ski wear collections.
It is best known for its heat-retaining properties and is usually harvested from birds slaughtered for meat. However, animal rights organizations like PeTA claim that the birds are actually being plucked while still alive. According to PeTA findings, the birds are plucked as early as the tenth week of life, and the process is repeated every six months.
However, Moncler has repeatedly stated that the down it uses for its products are all certified under the Down Integrity System and Traceability (DIST) standard, which demands that down should only come from white geese raised and culled for meat. Under DIST, any form of live-plucking is strictly prohibited.
Moncler’s Big Picture
The down issue notwithstanding, Monclers move to ban fur from production is just one initiative among many in the maison’s long-term sustainability plan.
The plan is based on five driving factors: climate action, the creation of a circular economy, a greater amount of fairtrade sourcing, improved diversity, and supporting local communities.
By the end of next year, Moncler expects to power all of its brick-and-mortar stores across the globe with renewable energy. It also plans to make 50% of the nylon that goes into its products more sustainable, recycling over 80% of the fabric in new items.
