Today, the Fur Free Alliance (FFA) launched a global campaign urging outdoor fashion brand Woolrich to adopt a fur-free policy. The coalition is made up of 50 animal protection organisations in 30 countries making it one of the largest anti-fur campaigns of all time. In the run-up to major fashion weeks, coordinated street actions are planned across Europe to encourage the traditional brand to reconsider its stance. This follows attempts by the FFA to get in a dialogue that were left unanswered. Other renowned outdoor brands - including Canada Goose, Moncler and Patagonia - have already gone fur-free. Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, a long-standing member of the FFA, has been advocating against fur farming since its inception in 1988.  

Woolrich, the self-proclaimed “world-leading designer of outdoor lifestyle apparel” continues to use fur – despite the undeniable cruelty of fur farms highlighted in a recent Scientific Opinion by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA), and despite the fur industry’s years-long decline in revenue and public support. Their so-called iconic Woolrich Arctic Parka – widely recognised as the brand’s signature winter piece – is a main contributor to animal suffering. Its fur-trimmed hood is made of pelts from raccoon dogs, coyotes and foxes, killed solely for decorative purposes.  

Fur farms cause animal suffering and environmental pollution  

“Woolrich has built its legacy on outdoor heritage, but today that legacy is at odds with compassion. No matter how thin the fur-trim is, the suffering behind it is enormous. Such a globally known brand should no longer turn a blind eye to the cruelty of fur farming and trapping. We reached out to initiate a dialogue, but our offer was ignored. Now it is time to start a public conversation so fashion lovers and animal advocates around the world can urge the brand to go fur-free,” says Yvonne Nottebrock, responsible for fur in fashion at FOUR PAWS.  

“By continuing to support the fur trade, Woolrich is choosing animal cruelty and environmental devastation over compassion and innovation. Thankfully, cruelty is no longer in fashion: as consumers care more about animal welfare and new laws coming into force around the globe are ending the demand for fur products. Woolrich would be smart to get with the times and go fur-free,” says Fur Free Alliance Chairman Joh Vinding.  

Beyond the immense suffering inflicted on animals, fur factory farms and tanneries also pose significant environmental risks. These facilities are extremely harmful to soil and waterways, pumping waste and toxic chemicals into the surrounding environment. Additionally, the traps responsible for killing wild animals are indiscriminate, often maiming and killing non-target animals, like endangered species and pets.