Starting on 1 January 2027, Woolrich Europe would stop producing new garments containing animal fur for the European market, according to FashionUnited France. The brand, acquired by BasicNet last year, would thus join nearly 1,700 fashion brands and retailers already committed to the Fur Free Alliance's (FFA) « Fur Free Retailer » programme.
This decision would follow a campaign led by animal protection organisations calling on the outdoor clothing brand to adopt a fur-free policy. FFA supporters are said to have sent more than 200,000 emails to Woolrich and organised protests outside its stores across Europe.
Thomas Pietsch, head of animal welfare in the textile sector at Four Paws, a member of the FFA, welcomed the decision. « De plus en plus de marques reconnaissent que les consommateurs attendent des produits élégants et fonctionnels qui ne reposent pas sur la souffrance animale. Cet engagement envoie un signal fort à l'industrie et à la Commission européenne, à un moment où les décideurs politiques examinent l'avenir de la production et du commerce de la fourrure au sein de l'UE », he said.
A broader industry movement
Woolrich Europe would thus align itself with competitors such as Canada Goose, Moncler, Napapijri and Parajumpers, which have already abandoned fur. Against this backdrop, the European citizens' initiative « Fur Free Europe » has gathered more than 1.5 million signatures calling for an end to fur farming and fur sales in the EU. A recently published economic report, cited by the FFA, is also said to have found that an EU-wide ban on fur farming would be less costly than investing in higher welfare standards.
This announcement would come as the Commission prepares its response to the « Fur Free Europe » initiative. The brand is also said to be working to extend its fur-free commitment beyond the European continent, according to FashionUnited.
