In a landmark move for ethical fashion, H&M, the world’s second-largest clothing retailer, has announced that it will no longer source new down feathers for any of its products.
Following a global effort by PETA that included protests at H&M stores, a public appeal from actor and activist Joaquin Phoenix who called out the company for benefiting from “unspeakable cruelty” to ducks, and widespread support from over 150,000 PETA supporters, H&M will finally ban down from its future collections.
The retailer is now committed to transitioning to synthetic and post-consumer recycled down for its jackets and home goods by the end of 2025, or sooner. By moving away from animal-derived down, H&M will spare countless ducks and geese from inhumane treatment.
In a statement sent to Vegan Food & Living, Yvonne Taylor, Vice President of Corporate Projects at PETA, praised the retailer’s decision to ban down, stating, “H&M’s compassionate decision is a big win for ducks and geese. PETA celebrates this forward-thinking move and urges retailers everywhere to stop profiting from the cruel feather industry.”
The cruelty behind down feathers
Down has long been recognised as a problematic material. The down industry inflicts immense cruelty on ducks and geese, who are known to be highly social and intelligent animals.
These birds are often raised in appalling conditions, confined to filthy sheds or barren, overcrowded lots. At slaughterhouses, many endure a horrific death. Despite regulations, birds are often improperly stunned, meaning they remain conscious when their throats are cut and as they are plunged into scalding water for de-feathering.
A shocking investigation by PETA’s into the down industry, supported by actress and animal rights advocate Alicia Silverstone, exposed the horrific treatment of ducks and geese. The undercover footage revealed birds being roughly handled, often inadequately stunned before slaughter, and left conscious while their feathers were ripped out.
The suffering doesn’t stop there. In some cases, geese endure live plucking, in which feathers are torn from their bodies repeatedly throughout their lives. This practice is especially prevalent in regions where animal welfare laws are poorly enforced.
By eliminating the demand for down, fashion brands like H&M are playing a pivotal role in reducing this cruelty.
Fashion’s growing shift towards ethical alternatives
H&M’s decision is part of a growing trend among retailers to move away from animal-derived materials. Companies such as Monsoon, Oliver Bonas, Barbour and Dorothy Perkins have already banned the use of down, opting instead for humane alternatives. Similarly, ASOS and Boohoo, two online fashion powerhouses, have committed to eliminating not only down, but also fur, angora, and mohair from their collections.
Vegan fashion materials are not only kinder to animals but also better for the environment.
Alternatives like FLWRDWN, used by H&M in its ‘Co-exist Story’ collection which was created in collaboration with PETA US, are made from wildflowers and recycled materials. Other innovative fabrics, such as Vegea, a vegan leather alternative made from grape skins, and ECONYL, a regenerated nylon made from discarded waste, offer consumers ethical choices without compromising on style or sustainability.
Original source: https://www.veganfoodandliving.com
https://www.animalagricultureclimatechange.org/leather-made-from-wine-waste/
