The limited-edition capsule, unveiled at Milan Design Week earlier this month, features hoodies, t-shirts, and shorts made entirely from regenerative plant-based materials – and they’re even fully compostable. 

Each piece is made without synthetics or plastics. Once worn out, the garments can be buried in the earth without leaving behind microplastics or toxic residues.

“This is just the beginning – the next evolution of sportswear made for athletes and built for the planet,” the two brands said in a joint statement. 

Read more: Fur Production Has Plummeted To Lowest Level In Years

This marks the first major product launch from UNLESS since it was acquired by Under Armour. Founded in 2020 by former Adidas executive Eric Liedtke, UNLESS is thought to be the world’s first plant-based, zero-plastic regenerative fashion brand. In line with its commitment to a plastic-free future, it creates clothing and footwear using natural materials that can be safely returned to the environment after being worn. 

The collection

The collection draws inspiration from skate, surf, and outdoor cultures, according to Under Armour. Despite being biodegradable, the garments are built to meet everyday durability standards.

The plant-based capsule collection is available exclusively at the Under Armour Brand House in Baltimore. Prices range from $30 to $160. We don’t yet know if or when the products will be available to buy online or elsewhere.

Read more: UGG Announces Launch Of Vegan Boots 

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

With the number of people moving away from animal products on the rise, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to have a plant-based or fully vegan wedding. Here are five couples’ accounts of planning and celebrating vegan weddings.

Read more: New Research Highlights Growing Plant-Based Shift In The UK

The 7 most spectacular vegan weddings

Klaus and Kamal

Klaus is a health and sustainability advocate and public speaker, as well as the founder and CEO of Plant Based News (PBN). He and Kamal, a finance lawyer, met through mutual friends at an after-party for Vevolution in 2019, where they stayed out partying until past 4am.

Klaus and Kamal got married two years later at Euridge Manor, a grand Georgian house located right on the edge of the Cotswolds, in southwest England. The couple initially had an intimate civil ceremony with just their immediate families present, but decided to celebrate again with a larger party once the UK’s lockdown restrictions lifted a few months later.

Everything at Klaus and Kamal’s wedding was vegan, including the stationary, decor, and sustainable, custom-made wedding outfits created by celebrated Indian designer Anita Dongre. Middlesex-based S&K Foods provided an Indian feast in Euridge Manor’s grand ballroom, and the after-party included Booja Booja ice cream and Humbledough bakery carts.

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“The caterers did a phenomenal job and I’m so grateful that all our suppliers understood our vision,” said Klaus. “With my work, sustainability is an important mission for me that goes beyond just work. Our wedding was a real example of that.”

Klaus said he was pleased that he and Kamal could celebrate with a traditional Indian wedding that also emphasized gender equality and the couple’s shared feminist values. The ceremony itself was conducted by the UK’s first female Hindu/Jain priest, Chanda Vyas.

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“I couldn’t have wished for a better day – and I’m proud that we were able to put on such a fun party without compromising on our values,” continued Klaus. “Everyone commented on how delicious the food was and the many options we had throughout the day.”

Holly and Jason

Holly and Jason first met through mutual friends in 2011, and have been together ever since. The couple live in the southwest of the UK with their two cats and rescue dog, Michael. (Michael also attended Holly and Jason’s wedding, where he briefly became the center of attention.)

Holly – who is also known by her artist moniker HollyMae – is an illustrator and surface pattern designer with a day job as a program and business development manager for a medieval friary. Meanwhile, Jason plays in bands, writes music, and works as a content and community manager. “We are both creative people,” Holly told PBN.

“Jason and I have both been vegan for a number of years and it was important to us that our wedding reflected our values,” continued Holly. “It was met with some apprehension from guests, with Jason being of Zimbabwean heritage where meat is a large part of the diet. We wanted to prove that vegan food can be indulgent and delicious, and we couldn’t bear the thought of any animal suffering being funded by our decision to hold an event.”

‘I feel like it was a success!’

The couple chose a venue with approved caterers and picked several vegan canapés, including faux chicken, mushroom, and pate, and a few additional small plates. The main wedding breakfast was a sit-down meal with seasonal, locally available ingredients. For the evening, they opted for vegan bunny chow – a half loaf of bread filled with guests’ choice of curry and sundries – and combined a centerpiece wedding cake with several other cakes, all of which were vegan.

“The guests tucked into it all and many of our meat eater attendees commented on the food,” said Holly. “So I feel like it was a success!”

However, the sustainable, curated, and plant-based theme also went beyond food. Holly opted for a cruelty-free makeup artist, a vegan, aerosol-free hairstylist, and non-traditional wedding shoes, while Jason chose footwear – a pair of vegan Doc Martens – that he has worn many times since. The bridesmaids all picked their own dresses from Vinted, and the couple provided guests with eco-friendly, confetti-style dried flowers that fed the local wildlife.

For the wedding favors, each guest received a small card with a personal note from Jason and a hand-drawn illustration from Holly. “I hoped that they would be more likely to hang onto them with them being so personalized, again reducing any single-use/throw-away items that would negatively impact the planet,” she said.

Rory and Issy

Rory and Issy met at a horse racing protest outside the Grand National around 11 years ago. They started out as “protest buddies” before becoming colleagues, then friends, and then romantic partners. Issy told PBN that they are both ethical vegans, and live a flight-free and substance-free lifestyle. (Which, Issy said, makes them “a bundle of laughs.”) The couple live in the Peak District and are currently planning their vegan wedding for September of this year.

Early in their relationship, Rory and Issy both worked together as campaigners at the UK-based vegan charity Viva! Rory went on to found This Is Not a Game Co – best known for Plants Against Veganity and the Vegan Dictionary – and Issy now works at a theatre.

When they first began planning their ideal wedding, the couple “considered everything,” including eloping, church weddings, registry offices, and more. However, Issy said that “none of it really fit” their situation and lifestyle. The couple wanted to celebrate in a way that was budget-friendly, non-traditional, and “fit the vegan vibe,” meaning no farm-based venues.

‘Vegans are always happy to cook’

Issy said that after plenty of research, the couple has decided to celebrate their wedding in their own home and garden with a vegan staple: a buffet-style potluck. Rory’s Mum will supply main dishes like lentil and vegan mince lasagnas, plant-based pizzas, and finger sandwiches, while guests can bring whatever they like – providing it is suitable for vegans.

The couple’s RSVPs also include information about what an entirely vegan wedding involves – including no leather shoes, wool, or silk – and Issy said that they plan to have “responsible vegans in charge of the food” to make sure all of the offerings are 100 percent plant-based.

“The benefit of a vegan potluck is that vegans are always happy to cook and show off their favorite vegan meals, and we can showcase a variety of different cuisines, dishes, and flavor palettes to the nonvegans who may have wildly different preferences,” explained Issy. “So there should be something for everyone!”

Kelly and Kyle

Kelly and Kyle have been ethical vegans for 15 years and both work within the nonprofit space. Kyle currently works for Vegan Grants and also runs his own business helping nonprofits leverage AI, while Kelly works with Sea Shepherd Australia and Animals Australia.

The couple decided early on that their wedding should be “an extension” of their vegan belief system, and Kelly told PBN that having a vegan wedding was “non-negotiable” for them.

“Our wedding was super small, just our daughter and a couple of close friends as witnesses, plus our dogs, but we still made sure everything from fashion to food was vegan,” said Kelly. “We wanted our special day to be a celebration of love, not just between us, but for the animals too.”

A vegan wedding was ‘non-negotiable’ for Kelly and Kyle

The couple are based in Victoria, Australia, and first met during a tour of Edgar’s Mission, a farmed animal sanctuary where Kyle worked at the time. When they met, Kelly was working at another sanctuary, but in 2017 she joined the Edgar’s team alongside Kyle. “That’s when we really got to know each other, fell in love, and the rest is history,” said Kelly.

They had their wedding ceremony at Mount Macedon, a dormant volcano above a small town of the same name. After the ceremony, they moved on to Edgar’s Mission for photographs and dinner – a plant-based grazing table and vegan pizzas from Melbourne’s Red Sparrow – alongside the animal friends they made during their time working at the sanctuary.

Kelly and Kyle now have their own property where they have been able to adopt several animals themselves. Kelly is also a photographer and has published a free photo guide titled 10 Essential Tips For Mastering Animal Photography, which is available from her website.

Rohini and Siddhant

Rohini, a nutritionist and the co-author of Living PCOS Free, married Siddhant in Hatfield, England. The pair met in Mumbai, on India’s west coast, at a Holi party. (Widely known as the Festival of Colours, a springtime Hindu celebration that famously features paint-throwing and dancing.)

The couple’s wedding took place at Hatfield House, an estate that has featured in high-profile films like 2018’s The Favourite and the TV show Bridgerton. Rohini told PBN that the couple’s celebration combined the vibrancy and joy of an Indian wedding with the intimacy of an English wedding, and included an eco-conscious aesthetic throughout the food, outfits, and decor.

Rohini and Siddhant opted for potted flowers grown by the bride’s mother in place of cut bouquets, which the guests took home after the wedding. They also used borrowed jewelry for good luck, and raised nearly USD $7,000 for Wildlife SOS and Educate Girls instead of more traditional wedding gifts. The Indian charities protect entertainment animals – including elephants abused in the wedding industry – and educate girls and women, respectively.

‘The food was a huge success’

“Creating a completely vegan celebration was incredibly important,” said Rohini. “It required a lot of effort but it was worth it – from sourcing silk-free Indian wedding fabrics for our outfits to finding vegan and gluten-free options for a guest with an allergy.”

Rohini told PBN that she worked closely with the wedding caterers to develop a menu that would satisfy all 180 guests throughout the 14-hour-long celebration. Dishes included crispy okra fries, sweet potato chaat, green moong dal, Thai green curry, Tofu Pad Thai, green mango salad, stewed jackfruit, and a coconut-infused sweet potato and chickpea curry. 

Desserts included kheer rice pudding with cardamom, pistachios, and saffron, Booja Booja truffles, Motichoor Laddoo (sweetened, fried gram flour pearls), and fruity sorbet. The couple also chose a selection of vegan wedding cakes, including zucchini and lemon, blueberry and elderflower, carrot cake, chocolate, and Victoria sponge, all made with vegan, olive oil-based buttercream.

“The food was a huge success – even among our most skeptical friends who had never eaten a fully vegan meal before, let alone for a whole weekend,” said Rohini. “Almost six years on from the wedding, I have several friends who are following a more plant-based diet since, including my best friend and her sister who both went vegan inspired by the event. Seeing everyone enjoying the food and drinks made all the planning worthwhile.”

Jenné and Maxx

Jenné is the plant-based cook, influencer, and author behind the recipe blog Sweet Potato Soul and the accompanying recipe book Sweet Potato Soul Vegan Vibes.

She has written extensively about her experiences planning a vegan wedding with Maxx, including picking a caterer, finding a cake, choosing a wedding dress, and all other parts of the process. Jenné described planning a vegan wedding as a “super time-consuming” but fun challenge, particularly as – like many couples – they were working with a strict budget.

Dresses and suits can be expensive, and the latter frequently use animal-derived materials like wool. With budget, sustainability, and vegan requirements in mind, Jenné and Maxx each opted for a secondhand option purchased online and then tailored items to fit. 

‘It felt so good to see all of our planning come together’

The couple got married at the venue 1909 Topanga Canyon, which offered outdoor space, indoor space, and a banquet room, and allows couples to use any caterer. They chose vegan celebrity chef Lauren Von der Pool, who created an entirely plant-based menu.

Dishes included Superfood Shitake Kale Salad, Southern Fried Crispy Chicken served with Mumbo Sauce, Caribbean Red Bean Stew, Crispy Potato Salad topped with micro greens, African Street Corn (Eritrean berbere spiced corn coated in a buttery garlic aioli), Sweet Potato Purée, Chicken & Waffles, and Coconut Braised Greens (tender greens stewed in a buttery coconut milk miso broth), all served buffet-style.

Jenné and Maxx also hired Krysten Littles of Baby Love Sweetery to make a two-tier chocolate salted caramel cake with pleated buttercream icing. “On our wedding day, it felt so good to see all of our planning come together, and I’m very happy to be able to say it was a 100 percent vegan event,” wrote Jenné in a blog post about the experience.

Andrea and Marcus

Andrea is a nutritionist and health coach at a private longevity clinic in Sweden and runs an informational Instagram account under the name Healing With Andrea. Her husband, Marcus, is a teacher and has worked with children for “many years.”

“I met my dream man, Marcus, six years ago,” said Andrea. “At that time, I was working part-time in a health food store, and he came in as a customer. We connected instantly and talked (until I had to close the store) about veganism, healthy foods, healing tools, and fasting.”

She told PBN that it was clear from the start that they wanted their wedding to be vegan, as Andrea had already been vegan for 10 years and Marcus for eight at the time. She noted that the couple always chooses vegan clothing, including Marcus’s suit and leather-style shoes and both of Andrea’s two wedding dresses.

Andrea and Marcus received ‘so much’ positive feedback from guests about the vegan menu

“We wanted to cater from a wonderful vegan restaurant in Stockholm called Chouchou, so we could ensure that all the food would be delicious and well-made,” said Andrea. “We served a tasty vegan buffet with minced ‘meat’ pie, Caesar salad, cevapcici, puff pastry with caramelized onions, potato salad, tomato salad, hummus, tzatziki, and freshly baked bread.”

The couple also opted for vegan wine and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as two wedding cakes: a “rich” chocolate cake with buttercream and an almond cake with vanilla and meringue. At midnight, they served vegan hot dogs to all the guests still dancing.

“We absolutely love animals! We couldn’t imagine serving any animal products at the wedding, it would go against our core beliefs,” she added. “Even though the majority of the guests were non-vegans, we received so much positive feedback regarding the menu!”

Read more: What is Sparkling Tea? The Wellness Drink Popular With Gen Z

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

TfL said the refresh will help make staff more easily identifiable in busy train and bus stations. It also emphasizes increased sustainability, functionality, and inclusivity.

The original version of TfL’s uniform was created by HemingwayDesign in 2015. This update was supplied by uniform provider Cooneen but designed in-house by TfL.

The previously navy sections will be lightened by a shade or two to make them stand out, while “larger, brighter roundels” provide contrast and visibility. These roundels will appear on coats, jackets, and accessories and denote which mode or team each person belongs to.

A new viscose blend fabric was chosen for trousers, shorts, and skirts for its breathability and softness, as well as durability. TfL says this will aid the comfort of workers experiencing common menopause symptoms such as dry, itchy skin and hot flushes.

The new jacket is made using 51 percent recycled materials, and the old uniforms will be recycled, where possible. For TfL staff who require them, the updated uniform also makes headscarves available, as well as vegan alternatives to leather belts and shoes.

Read more: Scientists Grow A Vegan Self-Dyeing Leather Shoe From Bacteria

TfL has emphasized sustainability ‘throughout’ refresh

Animal-derived leather has a huge negative impact on the environment. Leather is a coproduct rather than a byproduct of meat and dairy, and the leather industry collaborates in the waste produced by animal agriculture rather than reducing it.

The industry is cruel to animals and causes deforestation, chemical pollution, biodiversity loss, and more. There are already countless leather alternatives on the market – some more sustainable than others – with more launching all the time.

Read more: The Problem With Leather: Is The Industry Cruel, And Is It Really A Byproduct?

As of 2020, TfL employed just over 25,000 people, and the refresh cost £12 million, according to the Telegraph. Swapping animal-based leather for a vegan alternative will make a considerable difference to the overall environmental footprint of TfL’s uniforms.

TfL noted that sustainability “has been considered” throughout the refresh process, including consolidated uniform deliveries and a requirement for zero-emission vehicles. Customers will see some staff wearing the updated uniforms between now and the start of the new year.

Read more: Vegan Sneaker Brand LØCI Opens Pop-Up On Oxford Street

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Read more: UGG Announces Launch Of Vegan Boots

The “urban-lux” brand uses materials like recycled bottles, recycled nylon and brass, as well as cork, bamboo, and a bio leather alternative to make its shoes and apparel. It has a dedicated online following and counts celebrities such as Mila Kunis and Jessica Alba among its fans. The brand has also collaborated with Nicki Minaj on a range of sneakers.

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Its new pop-up store offers shoppers an “immersive” experience with digital graphics covering the walls. The store is located in Future Stores, a “retail theatre” where brands can create striking shopping environments.

A unique experience

Snapchat is contributing to the LØCI pop-up by providing its augmented reality (AR) technology. This will allow shoppers to virtually try on shoes and clothes using AR mirrors. Shoppers can also play around with Snapchat Lenses (filters), some of which are made specially for the LØCI pop-up.

Read more: The Best Vegan Trainers To Buy In The UK

“Online retail is a powerful tool but nowadays modern shoppers want so much more,” Phillipe Homsey, co-founder, LØCI said in a statement. “They want to see our products, virtually try them on, post their hottest looks online and immerse themselves in all that LØCI has to offer.”

The LØCI pop-up is open until 31 December 2024, but closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Read more: Greggs Unveils Vegan Sausage Roll Earrings

This article was written by Claire Hamlett on the PBN Website.

Read more: ‘Emily In Paris’ Star Lucas Bravo Wants His Character’s Restaurant To Go Vegan

Strictly Come Dancing – popularly known as Strictly – is one of the BBC’s most well-known shows. It has been running for 20 years, and sees a group of celebrities dance with a professional partner each week to compete to win the coveted “Glitterball trophy.” This year, contestants include singer Shayne Ward and reality star Pete Wicks. 

A key aspect of Strictly is its elaborate and lavish costumes. These sometimes include real feathers, which are widely regarded as a product of animal cruelty.

Read more: Gavin & Stacey’s Pam Urged To Go Vegan For Final Episode

PETA’s open letter to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

In a new open letter to the show’s executive producer Sarah James, the group highlights the reality of the feather industry. “Real birds’ feathers are a product of extreme cruelty to animals and have no place on your dance floor,” the letter reads. “They are gory, not glamorous.”

A 2015 investigation into an ostrich farm in South Africa found that workers were striking birds in the head and forcibly restraining them. On some occasions, feathers were ripped out of their skin while they were still conscious. 

The letter goes on to state that “marabou” feathers (which have a soft, fluffy consistency) generally come from chickens or turkeys raised intensively in factory farms. “When you consider that factory farming birds to rob them of their plumes also increases the very real risk of a deadly bird flu pandemic, feathers are definitely something you don’t want to touch with a limbo stick!,” the letter states. 

The letter, which was signed by PETA vice president of corporate projects Yvonne Taylor, says that “feathers are falling out of fashion” much like fur is. It cites high-profile designers like Stella McCartney, who have moved away from animal products in their designs. The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which took place earlier this month, also exclusively featured faux feathers for the first time in its history. “We hope Strictly Come Dancing will follow their lead by foxtrotting away from feathers – fast,” the letter concludes. 

Plant Based News has reached out to the BBC for comment. 

Read more: Deborah Meaden Raises Concerns Over Goat Milk Skincare Range On Dragons Den

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

Read more: Vegan Brand Launches Protein Bites Made Of Whole Foods

The Greggs vegan sausage has achieved icon status since launching in 2019. Since being spat out on live TV by well-known anti-vegan Piers Morgan, it has sold by its millions all over the country. Now, fans of the sausage roll need never be apart from the flaky pastry snack – as Greggs vegan sausage roll earrings are here.

The 22-carat gold-plated studs, which are part of Greggs’ “Baked in Gold” collection, cost £36. They were designed by British artist Dion Kitson, and they sold out in under an hour after being released. While it’s not known if or when they’ll be on sale again, Greggs has confirmed that there will be opportunities to win a pair on its social media.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with the response to our Baked in Gold collection. The speed at which it sold out shows the love our customers have for Greggs,” a Greggs spokesperson said in a statement. “This limited-edition range has truly resonated with our fans, blending our iconic menu with edgy fashion in a unique and exciting way.”

Read more: Cathedral City Launches New Vegan Cheese Flavor

The rise of the vegan sausage roll

The Greggs vegan sausage roll, launched in January 2019, is a plant-based alternative to the bakery chain’s popular sausage roll. It’s made with a Quorn filling, a meat substitute derived from mycoprotein, encased in a flaky, dairy-free puff pastry.

The introduction of the vegan sausage roll was a significant moment for Greggs, leading to a surge in sales and widespread media coverage. The product has proved popular with the general public, with many praising its likeness in taste and texture to the original. Since its launch, Greggs has added a number of other vegan items to its menu.

Read more: Dairylea Finally Launches Plant-Based Dunkers

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

Read more: This Vegan Snakeskin Bag Is Made From Brewery Waste

The new shoes are available in a variety of bold and brightly colored designs. While some boots are the same style and shape as classic UGGs, others are more unusual. For example, the collection includes tall black platform boots covered with ruffles. Collina Strada is a New York-based company founded by designer Hillary Taymour. It’s known for its bright and contemporary designs.

The UGG x Collina Strada boots aren’t specifically being marketed as vegan. Instead, UGG is emphasizing the use of materials like recycled polyester microfibre, sugarcane, and TENCEL, which are all regarded as relatively eco-friendly. They are available to buy online and at selected retailers, and cost between $160 and $220.

Read more: The Best Vegan Trainers To Buy In The UK

PETA praises the boots

This launch has arguably been a long time coming for the brand. UGG is known for using real sheepskin in its boots, and PETA has been calling on the company to use plant-based materials for a number of years. The animal rights organization has said that the new boots “embrace the future of fashion.”

“The launch of this entirely vegan line comes after PETA, peta2, and thousands of our compassionate supporters pressured UGG to stop using shearling and wool stolen from gentle sheep,” PETA wrote on its website. “As we’ve pointed out to the company, workers castrate, mutilate, and violently kill sensitive sheep before they’re stripped of their wool and skin.”

Shearling and wool are both regarded as cruel. The former refers to real sheepskin with the fleece still attached, meaning animals are farmed and killed to produce it (UGG states that it uses fur from animals killed for meat). While wool is often believed to be an ethical product, the wool industry is rife with cruelty. Sheeps* aren’t killed directly to produce it, but they will generally be slaughtered for meat after being raised for wool. While the new boots are a “step in the right direction,” PETA is urging UGG to move away completely from animal materials. 

*While the English language typically refers to multiple sheeps as “sheep,” we use the former to emphasize their individuality

Read more: Nicki Minaj Launches Range Of Barbie Pink Vegan Sneakers

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

Read more: The Problem With Leather: Is The Industry Cruel, And Is It Really A Byproduct?

The UK accessories brand collaborated with fellow Londoners Arda Biomaterials and breweries from Bermondsey’s Beer Mile to develop an animal and plastic-free snakeskin. BEEN has used this to create a vegan version of its best-selling “Millais” shoulder bag.

The bag is the first debut of Arda’s “New Grain” leather which the plant-based materials start-up produces using brewers’ spent grain (BSG). New Grain can then be customized with various “finishes, patterns, and colors,” as seen with the vegan snakeskin.

According to Arda, New Grain creates 97 percent fewer CO2e emissions compared to traditional leather, as well as eliminating toxic tanning processes entirely. The company received a grant of GBP £800,000 from Innovate UK to support New Grain’s development.

The handbag is a showcase piece and is not currently available on the market.

Read more: Scientists Grow A Vegan Self-Dyeing Leather Shoe From Bacteria

BEEN London aims to ‘lead the charge’ in sustainable fashion

According to Arda, every 100 liters of beer produces 20kg of BSG. This waste grain is rich in protein and fiber, making it ripe for upcycling into versatile materials like New Grain, along with recently publicized egg replacers and plant-based proteins.

Across all of its research and development, the company says it emphasizes plants that are beneficial for biodiversity and ingredients sourced from underutilized waste streams. It also avoids plastics, toxic chemicals, and animal products in the pursuit of optimal sustainability.

“Collaborating with Arda has been a fantastic experience,” BEEN London founder Genia Mineeva told Fashion United. “This partnership allows us to pioneer new materials and lead the charge in circular design and sustainable fashion.”

Mineeva’s company is also built upon principles of waste reduction and features a wide variety of sustainable materials like Piñatex, appleskin, regenerated nylon, recycled cotton, and recycled polyester. Even the original leather version of the Millais was made using “tannery offcuts and trimmings” which would otherwise be wasted by the fashion industry.

“As a brand making premium products entirely from materials that would otherwise be discarded, we’re really excited about the possibilities of Arda’s innovation,” added Mineeva. “The New Grain handbag is just the beginning of what we can achieve together.”

This article was updated on August 8, 2024. A previous version of this article stated that the bag was available to buy, but the bag is actually just a showcase piece at present.

Read more: The Best Vegan Trainers To Buy In The UK

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Read more: ‘Food For Profit’: The New Documentary On Factory Farming In Europe

Leather making is an ancient art practiced for more than 7,000 years. Even in prehistoric times, early humans began using the skins of the animals they hunted as protection against the elements, mostly as clothes but also as shelters.

But in modern times, leather is mass-produced to feed the excessive demands of modern consumer culture, at the cost of billions of animal lives, environmental degradation, and tonnes of carbon equivalent emissions. Here’s everything you need to know about leather – including whether it’s really a byproduct of the meat industry, and whether it’s as cruel as critics say.

Is leather a byproduct of agriculture?

Despite its reputation, leather is definitively not a byproduct. The modern leather industry does not reduce the waste of animal agriculture, it collaborates in it. Leather is best viewed as a coproduct, meaning that the two industries are distinct, but inextricably linked.

The global leather goods market is gigantic, and Grand View Research predicts it will reach USD $405.28 billion by 2030, up from $242.85 billion in 2022. In 2020, global production reached 12.5 million tonnes and included the skin of over 1.4 billion animals. (That’s nearly 20 percent of the entire human population at the time killed within a single year.)

Apart from the staggering inherent environmental footprint of raising cattle, turning hides into leather itself has a significant impact. So significant, in fact, that Collective Fashion Justice believes turning hides into products creates more CO2e emissions – about 110kg per square meter – than simply putting them straight into landfill. (Which is very likely where the product will end up rotting and producing emissions eventually, anyway.)

It’s also not just cows that are used to produce leather. Hides from sheeps*, lambs, goats, and pigs are also frequently used, while animals such as crocodiles, alligators, snakes, kangaroos, zebras, elephants, and more – including rare, endangered, and keystone species – are hunted specifically for their skins, frequently for luxury accessories by high-end brands.

Fashion designer and vegan icon Stella McCartney, who uses plant-based alternatives to leather in her various products, previously told Plant Based News (PBN) that the idea of leather was a byproduct was “sheer nonsense.” She added: “I’m here to let people know that’s a lie that’s been created by the meat industry and leather boards.”

Is the leather industry cruel?

Animals that are hunted specifically for their hides often experience routine but stark cruelty, including the live skinning of crocodiles and snakes on certain farms. The live skinning of cows has also been documented.

Most leather does come from cows raised for beef and milk, however, and the majority of these animals are factory farmed. (Overall, the industry raises around 92 billion animals per year in cramped, unhygienic, and trauma-inducing cruel conditions.)

This means that most leather is inextricably linked to intensive animal farming – and all of the ethical, human, and environmental issues that it promotes. Furthermore, some parts of the industry are lobbying for even more intensification, which will worsen its problems.

Emma Håkansson from Collective Fashion Justice previously told PBN that the reality of leather production is intentionally obfuscated by the fashion industry. “While people are aware that leather is the processed skins of animals, all advertising and messaging from the fashion industry is designed to normalize this and limit questioning,” she said.

The unique impact of the leather industry

A 2022 report by Collective Fashion Justice found that the 170 unique chemicals used in conventional leather tanning pose significant risks to soil, air, land, and wildlife, harming biodiversity and the human communities working in and living near factories. (Dyeing and finishing textile products account for around 20 percent of all clean water pollution.)

Leather also notably fuels illegal deforestation in its own right, along with human displacement, murders, child labor, exploitation, and abuse.

In addition to its enormous contributions to animal cruelty, environmental destruction, pollution, human rights issues, and more, the leather industry is notoriously inefficient. Producing 10 bags from Brazilian leather can cause approximately one hectare of deforestation, while cow leather boots cost nearly seven times more CO2e than alternatives.

While leather is historically celebrated as a buy-once material, the ubiquitousness of fast fashion means that many people consume leather products like bags and shoes in the same way they would others. The European footwear industry alone generates about 100,000 tonnes of leather waste per year, the majority of which is either incinerated or sent to landfills.

Read more: Animals Up In Flames: The Growing Threat Of Barn Fires

Are there vegan alternatives to leather?

While petroleum-based PU leather, or “pleather,” comes with its own significant footprint, there are many modern materials that rival leather in longevity and aesthetic, but minimize environmental and ethical costs by cutting out the animals.

Cork and waxed cotton are well-established alternatives to animal leather, but cactuses, corn, mushrooms, rubber, flowers, and fruit are now also used to create effective and sustainable bio-leather products.

Earlier this year, scientists grew a self-dying black leather shoe from bacterial cellulose. Lead author Professor Tom Ellis noted that the natural compound is inherently vegan, and requires just a fraction of the CO2e, water, land, and time of traditional leather. (It’s also biodegradable and free from PU leather’s toxic petrochemicals.)

Co-author Dr Kenneth Walker noted that the real potential of leather alternatives can be explored best when the scientific community and fashion designers work together.

“As current and future users of new bacteria-grown textiles, designers have a key role in championing exciting new materials and giving expert feedback to improve form, function, and the switch to sustainable fashion,” said Walker.

Read more: The Best Vegan Trainers To Buy In The UK

*While the English language usually refers to multiple sheeps as “sheep”, we use “sheeps” to emphasize that they are individuals.

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Read more: Nicki Minaj Launches Range Of Barbie Pink Vegan Sneakers

But which vegan trainers are best? With so many sporty and fashionable options, here is our guide to help you choose the best pair – or pairs. All of them come in both men’s and women’s sizes.

Why aren’t trainers vegan?

Many brands make their trainers using leather or suede, which is also made from animal skin, but using the underside of the skin as it’s softer.

Leather is often portrayed as a by-product of the meat industry, suggesting that it’s less wasteful to turn animal skins into fashion. But it’s a hugely lucrative industry and leather should more accurately be described as a “coproduct” of meat. The leather industry profits off the deaths of more than one billion animals each year, many of whom are factory farmed.

Leather is also disastrous for the environment. Animal farming uses vast amounts of land and farming cows is responsible for around a third of human-caused methane emissions.

For these reasons, trainers that feature leather or suede in their designs are definitely not vegan.

Read more: ‘Sheer Nonsense’: Stella McCartney On Why Leather Is Not A Byproduct

What brands make vegan trainers?

There used to be just a few specialist brands making vegan trainers. Nowadays, most major labels have vegan options.

Major brands like Nike, Adidas, Skechers, and Reebok make vegan trainers. A couple have even redesigned some of their classic styles with vegan materials, such as Adidas’ Stan Smith tennis shoes.

There’s a growing number of fully vegan footwear brands too, and many are using innovative new materials as alternatives to leather. British brand Ration.L makes vegan gender-neutral trainers. French company Minuit sur Terre uses recycled grain-based material and has a second-hand online marketplace where it resells its prototypes, shoes worn during photo shoots, products with small defects, and shoes returned by customers.

CORAIL, another French brand, turns plastic waste in the ocean into raw material to make into shoes. NOAH Italian Vegan Shoes uses “wine leather” — leather made from grapes — to make its simple yet stylish sneakers. Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather, yet another French company, is not only totally vegan but also guarantees fair-trade working conditions for everyone in its supply chain.

How can you tell if trainers are vegan?

Shoes must include a label indicating the materials used for the upper, lining, insole, and outer sole. You’ll usually be able to find it inside the tongue or on a tag or sticker on the packaging. Due to the growing market for vegan footwear, many brands will also explicitly market their shoes as vegan. They may also carry a certification label from the Vegan Society.

What materials do vegan trainers use?

Many vegan designs also go hand in hand (or foot in shoe) with companies’ efforts to make more sustainable footwear.

Brands have used plant-based leathers such as those made from grapes, pineapples, mushrooms, and apples to reduce waste and lower their carbon footprints. Textiles such as canvas and cotton are also commonly used to make vegan trainers, as is rubber for the soles. Some synthetic materials such as polyester may feature in vegan shoes too.

Running trainers

V.GAN Rumex Runner Trainers, £89

These lightweight trainers have cushioning made from natural cork. They’re breathable, water resistant, and PETA certified. The trainers come in a range of neutral colors, making them perfect for a run or for casual wear too.

Click here to buy

Merrell Moab Flight, £125

If you prefer running on trails than on pavements, these shoes are for you. Cushioned and lightweight, the Moab Flights are mostly made with recycled materials and are completely vegan.

Click here to buy

Will’s Vegan Store WVSport Trail Running Trainers, £130

Will’s Vegan Store makes clothing, accessories, and shoes, including these lightweight trail running trainers. Made with recycled polyester and nylon, the uppers are a breathable mesh so your feet don’t get too sweaty. The shoes are certified carbon neutral too.

Click here to buy

Brooks Hyperion, £140

Brooks has made all of its running shoes vegan, so there are plenty of options to choose from here. The Hyperion is the brand’s most lightweight trainer, designed to be responsive to quick movements. Available in six colours, these shoes will help you smash your PB on your next run.

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Hylo Impact, £150

Hylo Athletics launched in 2020 with a mission to create planet-friendly, high-performance running gear. It uses bio-based materials such as castor bean instead of synthetics made from fossil fuels. The Hylo Impact has a simple design, and with high cushioning, is perfect for running on roads. And once you’ve worn them out, you can return them to Hylo to be recycled into something new.

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Nike Downshifter 13, £64.99

On the cheaper end of the spectrum, these Nike’s are made with at least 20 percent recycled footwear materials. With great cushioning and ankle support, these trainers are perfect for everyday activities as well as running longer and/or faster miles.

Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather BABER-GV running shoes, £219

Good Guys Go Vegan is the tagline for this company started by one woman with a vision for cruelty-free footwear in Paris more than a decade ago. The Baber-GV running trainers are good for both trails city streets. They lining is corn-based and the sole is made from recycled rubber.

Click here to buy

Fashion trainers

Etnies Jameson 2 Eco, £64.99

Etnies have been a staple of the skate scene for decades, but its cool, easy-to-wear designs have taken it into the mainstream too. The Jameson 2 Eco trainers are made of canvas and recycled plastic and rubber. They’re also part of Etnies’ Buy a Shoe Plant a Tree project, which has seen over two million tress planted already.

Click here to buy

Vegan Gola Classics Women’s Coaster Flame High, £65

The retro design of these hi-tops harks back to Gola’s original heyday as a 1970s sports brand. The off-white, Vegan Society-approved trainers are made of a light canvas, perfect for pairing with jeans or a summer dress.

Click here to buy

Ration.L R-Kind Vegan Trainers, £70

Raion.L’s ethos is to be kind to animals and to people, whatever gender they identify with, hence its “gender neutral” range of shoes. A simple monochrome design gives these trainers a feel of understated luxury. They’re made with recycled and organic materials. Ration.L also sells pairs with slight defects and ex-display pairs for lower prices, so if you’re lucky to find them in your size you can grab yourself a bargain.

Click here to buy

Adidas Vegan Stan Smith Shoes, £85

The Stan Smith shoes have been around for half a century, but now they’ve had an eco-upgrade with this vegan version. Adidas has committed to using only recycled polyester, which features in here along with repurposed rubber waste. Still the same classic look, just better for the animals and the planet.

Click here to buy

Reebok Club C 85 Vegan Sneakers, £90

Like the Stan Smith shoes, Reebok’s Club C 85 sneakers are a vegan take on one of their classic styles, the Club C. The uppers are made from vegan leather, all in white or off-white while the stripes come in a variety of colors. A perfect easy-wearing sneaker.

Click here to buy

Veja Wata II Low Canvas, £110

The Veja brand has vegan vibes in its name and the V logo that adorns its footwear. But beware, as not all its footwear is vegan. It does have a pretty extensive vegan range, though, including the Wata II Low Canvas trainers. They’re made with responsibly-sourced rubber and plastic components made of 42 percent cane sugar and 11 percent recycled plastic. Available in white, khaki, and black, the trainers are a great laid back style for summer.

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Evolution V2 Sustainable Sneaker, £125

Swedish brand Humans Are Vain bases its designs on the circular economy principle, upcycling and recycling everything it makes. Its trainers are all vegan and made with materials such as recycled rubber and corn fiber. The Evolution V2 sneakers have a trendy chunky sole and a clean white design, taking inspiration “from the aesthetics of Scandinavia.”

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NOAH Italian Vegan Shoes Sammy Sneaker, £135.15

These simple white sneakers are made from the wine industry waste: grape skins, stems, and seeds. The water-repellent “wine leather” has a lightly textured look, which gives some extra character to these simple trainers. The stripy laces add a nice touch of fun too.

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CORAIL Algae, £153

French brand CORAIL gives a nod to the ocean in its design for these trainers, made out of plastic waste scooped up from the sea. The translucent soles seem to feature flecks of plastic while evoking the colors of the algae for which the shoes are named. And indeed one of the materials used in making the shoes is Seacell, a seaweed-based textile.

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LØCI NEO X Nicki Minaj, £160

“Urban-lux” vegan sneaker and clothing brand LØCI uses cutting-edge materials in its designs, including “bio leather” and recycled ocean plastics. These sneakers are one of the results of a collaboration with rapper Nicki Minaj and come in three bold pink and white or pink and black combinations. They are made of LØCI’s bio leather, which is 50 percent corn waste and recycled textile materials.

Click here to buy

Stella McCartney Sneak-Elyse Platform Trainers, £595

Way at the luxury end of the market are these platform trainers by vegan fashion designer icon Stella McCartney. Made from grape leather, they come in white, brown, or black and have a visible layer of cork in the chunky sole. Eye-catching and sustainable.

Click here to buy

Read more: Are Ugg Boots Vegan? What You Need To Know

This article was written by Claire Hamlett on the PBN Website.

The collection is in collaboration with vegan sneaker brand Løci. It’s called “Nicki Minaj X Løci,” and consists of 11 styles of unisex shoes made from vegan leather. Many of the trainers are a shade of pink reminiscent of Barbie, a film that Minaj created music for.

Read more: ‘Sheer Nonsense’: Stella McCartney On Why Leather Is Not A Byproduct

According to Løci, the new line “blends street-cool aesthetics with high-fashion chic.” Writing on Instagram at the end of March, Minaj said the release was an “absolute dream come true.”

“I can’t WAIT for you guys to see my 1st collection,” she wrote. “Thank you to my team for helping me make this dream come to fruition. This isn’t a sponsorship. I’m an owner & partner.”

The collection is available to shop online now. Prices range from $185 to $200.

The rise of Løci

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A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj)

Løci was founded in London on 2019, and has since become a hugely popular sneaker brand, with its designs being seen on celebrities including Mila Kunis, Jessica Alba, and Ben Affleck. 

Read more: Cillian Murphy Discusses His Decision To Go Plant-Based

The brand doesn’t use any animal leather, instead opting for materials like recycled bottles, recycled nylon and brass, as well as cork, bamboo, and a bio leather alternative. It’s thought that each pair of sneakers repurposes the equivalent of 20 plastic bottles. Løci’s shoes are made in Portugal, a country known for its craftsmanship and sustainability credentials. 

According to Løci, the brand has saved one million plastic bottles from being discarded. It also donates 10 percent of online profits to marine organizations like Sea Shepherd and SEE Turtles. 

Read more: Joaquin Phoenix Wore A Plant-Based Hat For ‘Napoleon’

In 2022, it was announced that Leonardo DiCaprio had invested in the brand. The actor said at the time that he was “proud” to invest in a company “dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact, and centered around creating cruelty-free, ethical footwear.”

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

Read more: 81% Of USA Sandwich Bags Contain Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’

Dr Benjamin Droguet, Professor Silvia Vignolini, and a group of fellow Cambridge scientists founded the UK-based company in 2022 in order to replicate the vibrant colors found in nature sustainably. Sparxell’s star compound is cellulose, a plant-derived sugar.

Sparxell can extract its plant-based, renewable, and biodegradable cellulose from waste streams, all while achieving vibrant, high-performance pigments for use in sectors as diverse as cosmetics, fashion, packaging, crafts, food and beverage, and automotive care.

“Our plant-based materials can be grown and sourced locally in a complete rethink of how colors are currently being manufactured while reducing transport emissions,” explained Sparxall founder and CEO Droguet, in a release published by BusinessWire.

The company says it will use the backing to accelerate the development and commercialization of its products. Prominent participants in the seed funding include the L’Oreal-founded Circular Innovation Fund and SpaceX-backer Future Communities Capital.

Read more: Flora Unveils ‘World First’ Plastic-Free Paper Tubs For Vegan Spreads

Traditional colorants cause ‘major environmental harm’

According to Sparxell, its product is the “world’s first” 100 percent natural, high-performance, and biodegradable color platform, free from child labor, health risks, and minimal pollution. 

“Traditional chemical colorants are causing major environmental harm through every stage of their lifecycle, from manufacture to degradation,” continued Droguet.

A recent report by Precedence Research predicts that the global colorants market will more than double between 2022 and 2032, but specifically highlights toxic elements and associated health risks – including cancer – impact both workers and customers.

“The textile industry is a well-known emitter of dyes and microplastics, with over 1.5m tonnes entering the environment every year, while paint has recently been recognized as the largest source of microplastics in the ocean,” added Droguet.

Read more: The UK’s Plastic Waste Crisis: 100 Billion Pieces Of Packaging Discarded Every Year

Sparxell’s ‘plastic-free and toxin-free pigments’

A 2022 study published by the Swiss scientific research firm Environmental Action (EA) found that of the tens of millions of tonnes of microplastics leaked into the ocean each year, approximately 58 percent comes from paint particulates.

The researchers reported that 1.9 million tonnes of paint end up in oceans and waterways annually, many of which contain plastic polymers, contributing to ubiquitous microplastics. Furthermore, common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint include formaldehyde, benzene, and ethyl acetate, exposure to which can cause a range of serious health issues.

In contrast, Sparxell makes its plant-based cellulose completely biodegradable, and the company notes that model studies confirm that its “plastic-free and toxin-free pigments” have “some of the lowest impacts on flora and fauna at the end of life.”

Sparxell expects to launch a Series A funding round in the coming months to upscale production capacity and accelerate commercialization.

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

McCartney, who has long been vocal in her disdain for leather and fur, urged other designers to ditch animal materials and move to more sustainable plant-based alternatives

“There is a better way for the future of fashion,” she told Plant Based News founder Klaus Mitchell in an interview at the climate conference in Dubai.

Reflecting on the environmental and ethical impacts of fashion, McCartney explained how her brand is trying to find better solutions for the planet.

“There are so many bad things in my industry,” she said. “I’m trying to gently nudge people and open their minds.”

McCartney was at COP28 to showcase Stella’s Sustainable Solutions, a series of plant-based alternatives to harmful fashion products.

Environmental impacts of fashion

The fashion industry – and its use of animal products – is having a major environmental impact.

McCartney is a key voice in the industry calling out the harms of animal fashion. While she mostly avoids animal products, she does use some wool and silk in her collection. “We don’t use leather, feathers, fur,” she said. “And that has the biggest effect on our environmental impact in a positive way.”

“I don’t know if I would still be doing fashion at this stage in my career if it were not for the really truly meaningful important role I now play here in trying to bring awareness and information to the consumer,” she added.

Leather is not a byproduct

McCartney, who has been heavily investing in leather alternatives over the last few years, also slammed the commonly held belief that animal leather is an innocent byproduct of the meat industry. “It’s just sheer nonsense,” she said. “I’m here to let people know that’s a lie that’s been created by the meat industry and leather boards.”

Leather is responsible for the deaths of more than one billion animals each year, many of whom are factory farmed. It’s a hugely lucrative industry in its own right, meaning many people consider it a “coproduct” rather than “byproduct” of beef and other meat.

McCartney – and many others championing plant-based alternatives – have received some pushback about the sustainability of some vegan leather alternatives. Yet, leather is disastrous for the environment. Livestock farming uses vast amounts of land and farming cows is responsible for around a third of human-caused methane emissions.

McCartney spoke about a new plastic-free leather alternative being shown off at her COP28 display. Made from rubber, MIRUM is said to be a scalable vegan leather.

Pushing for policy change

At COP28, McCartney was showcasing “the future of fashion.”

She also spoke about her optimism that the fashion world is changing, saying: “There’s a lot of greenwashing, unfortunately. But I think there is change happening slowly and I think that something’s better than nothing.”

More like this:

• Stella McCartney Says Move Toward Animal-Free Fashion Is ‘Critical’
• Are Ugg Boots Vegan? Everything You Need to Know
• Billie Eilish Promotes Gucci’s New Vegan Leather Bag

This article was written by Daniel Clark on the PBN Website.

In a picture posted on Instagram, Marsh wore a jumper that appeared to compare people who consume meat to Jeffrey Dahmer, a notorious serial killer.

The jumper had the slogan: “I don’t eat dead bodies, but you crack on Jeffrey Dahmer.”

Jeffrey Dahmer was a notorious American serial killer, known as the Milwaukee Cannibal. Between 1978 and 1991, he murdered 17 men.

As reported by The Sun, Marsh replied to social media comments criticizing her choice of jumper. She wrote: “All meat eaters are paying someone else to repeatedly murder for them. So indirectly yes I guess they are all serial killers.”

She went on to state that the jumper is “not meant to offend anyone,” adding: “If it does offend though then that’s good as maybe it makes people think about what they’re putting in their mouths.”

Animal agriculture involves forcibly impregnating, raising, and slaughtering billions of sentient beings each year.

Jodie Marsh’s vegan activism

Jodie Marsh is a vocal critic of animal agriculture. She regularly posts pro-vegan messages to her 453,000 followers.

She has also previously joined with animal organizations to promote anti-animal cruelty campaigns, including posing naked for PETA.

Marsh opened an animal sanctuary named Fripps Farm in 2020. It is currently home to over 250 animals, many of whom have been saved from slaughter.

The aim of Fripps Farm is to “give animals the best possible life, catering for all their needs and also to give them the love that they need.”

Shining a light on unseen suffering

Commenting on the post, some meat-eaters voiced their anger at Marsh for her choice of jumper.

“I couldn’t care less what people choose to eat or not eat! What grinds my gears is vegans constantly shoving their beliefs down people’s throats,” wrote one.

For the animals that are victims of farming, however, there is no choice. Animal suffering on farms and in slaughterhouses mostly happens behind closed doors well out of sight of consumers.

Marsh’s provocative jumper is an example of fashion activism. As a model and influencer, she uses her fashion choices to bring awareness to unseen suffering of animals.

Effective communication

Marsh’s post has been divisive. Many vegans would point out that she is technically correct. By consuming meat, you are indirectly funding the slaughter of multiple animals. Some may argue, however, that labelling meat-eaters in this way is not “effective communication” when discussing the issue.

Dr Melanie Joy is one expert who has discussed the importance of effective communication in veganism. It refers to the idea that discussions around eating meat should revolve around empathy and respect, and language should be clear, non-violent, and non-judgmental. “Whether we believe in something or not, is not the issue,” Dr Joy previously said. “The issue is what works. You can be right in a sense morally, but you may not be right strategically. The animals don’t need us to be morally perfectionistic; they need us to be effective”​​.

More like this:

• ‘We’re Not Living In The Dark Ages’: Alan Cumming Urges Public To Go Vegan
• Billie Eilish And Finneas Are Opening A Vegan Restaurant
• Kourtney Kardashian Threw A Vegan Thanksgiving For Travis Barker – Here’s What They Ate

This article was written by Daniel Clark on the PBN Website.

Written by Emma Hakansson, founding director of the non-profit Collective Fashion Justice, Total Ethics Fashion: People, our fellow animals and the planet before profit explores what is so problematic about the fashion industry in its current form. Hakansson argues that fashion has become a “race to the bottom,” sacrificing creativity and sustainability to produce cheap, disposable clothes at a great ethical cost.

The book shows a way forward for the fashion industry so that it can regain its creativity and put animals, people, and planet before profit. Hakansson’s vision for fashion’s future is encapsulated in a the Total Ethics Manifesto, which is being launched alongside the book today. 

The industry, says the Manifesto, must embrace “a just transition to a fashion system which pays living wages to everyone across all supply chains, which is slow, circular and respectful of planetary boundaries, and which shifts to sustainable and just alternatives to fossil fuel-based, deforestation-driven and animal-derived materials alike.”

“The changes called for in the Total Ethics Fashion Manifesto are significant and will take time,” Hakansson told Plant Based News. “But a growing portion of the fashion industry is taking steps towards it. We don’t have time left to ignore our need for a total ethics fashion transition, as the climate crisis worsens, more animals and humans alike suffer in a system of interconnected harm.”

Individuals and institutions connected to the fashion world can sign the Manifesto, as can politicians, policy-makers, journalists, scientists, academics, celebrities, and influencers. Signatories already include the Center for Biological Diversity, Fashion Revolution India, and animal activist and writer Bel Jacobs.

Launch event

At a launch event for the book and manifesto in London earlier this week, panellists discussed how the injustices in the fashion industry reflect the global crises we are facing.

Bel Jacobs, who was on the panel, described the “hidden driver” of the wider process of global systemic decline as “a way of living and being premised on self-maximization through the plunder of the other. Whether the others are different humans, different species, or the planet itself.”

The discussion also covered how “ethical” and “sustainable” fashion has so far only partially managed to address injustices in fashion. “We’d see that something will be ethical because there’s fair labor behind it,” said Hakansson. “And that’s so important, but it might be fair labor producing something made from the suffering of an animal. We also might see something that’s labelled as vegan but it’s made from fossil fuel-derived material which also isn’t part of the future of fashion.

Referring to Hakansson’s book, moderator Issey Gladston noted that it shows “that we’re at a crossroads right now” and that fashion “can be this force for good … or it can be this force of destruction. And actually we get to decide how we move forward.”

Collective Fashion Justice

Hakansson started Collective Fashion Justice in 2020 to address the three interwoven injustices in the fashion industry: environmental, humanitarian, and anti-speciesist. Other efforts to clean up fashion have tended to focus only on one of these problems at a time.

“So often we consider what ‘ethics’ or ‘sustainability’ in fashion means in an isolated sense, considering just one issue, rather than the web of interconnected injustices which cannot be solved without a collective approach,” Hakansson said.

Collective Fashion Justice pinpoints “fashion’s animal-derived product supply chains” as the point on which all these injustices converge.

“Animals have been excluded from the conversation of fashion and ethics for too long,” said Hakansson. “But the same root of oppression which justifies exploiting animals as materials in fashion also makes way for the exploitation of garment workers and the planet. We must move beyond systems of exploitation and destruction as a whole — leaving no one behind.”

The harms of the fashion industry

The 2022 documentary SLAY, on which Hakansson worked as a line producer, researcher, and interviewee, woke many people up to the hidden costs of using animals to make fashion. 

Among the disturbing facts it brought to the surface is that as many as 1.5 billion animals are skinned in fashion supply chains for leather each year. Tanning leather requires up to 170 unique polluting chemicals such as fungicides and biocides. Multiple fashion brands may also be contributing to deforestation in the Amazon through the supply chains.

The leather supply chain is riddled with injustices. It “typically includes not only the inherent animal commodification and slaughter, but also massive methane emissions and biodiversity destruction, and frequently, unjust labour and exposure to carcinogenic substances by tannery workers,” Hakansson said. 

“When so many different harms are associated with an animal-derived material supply chain, creating a just transition to more sustainable, animal-free and plastic-free materials benefits us all. This is true not only for leather, but across other animal-derived materials.”

More like this:

• How This Vegan Flower Leather Is Cleaning Up The Ganges In India
• Why Isn’t Wool Vegan? The Reality Of Sheep Shearing
• New Report Uncovers ‘Willful Ignorance’ Of Animal Abuse In Leather Industry

This article was written by Claire Hamlett on the PBN Website.