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Working together for compassion in fashion 

Industry Information and Tools

FOUR PAWS is committed to working with industry to achieve long-lasting change for animals. We highlight the problems and help to identify solutions, learning together as we go, on the path towards a truly responsible and ethical fashion industry which values animal welfare.

Our work to achieve an animal-friendly fashion future is guided by FOUR PAWS Key Principles.

  • Companies should aim to achieve a high standard of animal welfare, by working to fulfill the General Welfare Aims of the Five Domains model.
  • Traceability and transparency is vital, and brands should utilize the best animal welfare certifications available.
  • Wild animals should not be used for textiles.
  • Efforts should be made to significantly reduce the use of animal-derived materials.

Put simply...Refine, Reduce, Replace.

These principles are further set out and discussed in FOUR PAWS Animal Welfare Policy Guidelines for Fashion Brands and Retailers. See below for more resources developed by FOUR PAWS for a kinder fashion future.

Tools and Reports 

Support for brands and retailers

Animal Welfare in Fashion Report

Animal Welfare in Fashion Report

FOUR PAWS latest report shows that while good progress is being made fashion brands need to step up for animals. For the second edition of our report we partnered with Good On You to rate 111 international brands on their progress in animal welfare. While the demand for animal-free fashion is rapidly growing, our report shows that most brands still know little about the conditions faced by animals within their supply chains. The good news is that change is happening and 14% of brands included in the 2021 report improved significantly since our last rating.

Read
Animal Welfare Policy Development Guidelines in Textiles

Animal Welfare Policy Development Guidelines in Textiles

For brands choosing to continue using animal-derived materials, FOUR PAWS encourages the swift development or strengthening of existing animal welfare policies. These should include a robust vision, goals, and an implementation plan, all aimed at achieving the highest possible animal welfare standards. The FOUR PAWS policy development guidelines can assist brands in developing these essential animal protection plans and contain guidance per animal-derived material.

Read
World’s first report finds fashion critically lagging on animal welfare

World’s first report finds fashion critically lagging on animal welfare

New research from FOUR PAWS finds the fashion industry comes up short between what is said and what is delivered, with only 21% of brands tracing even a portion of animal-derived materials for animal welfare. It also lists the essential first steps brands need to take, including the development of a comprehensive animal welfare policy.

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Transitioning away from mulesed wool. A guide on why and how

Transitioning away from mulesed wool. A guide on why and how

Featuring interviews with brand sustainability managers who have already committed to moving away from mulesing, including fashion powerhouses H&M, Kathmandu and Espirit, the mulesing guidebook presents information for brands on what mulesing is, why it’s happening, what the viable pain-free alternatives to managing flystrike are, an overview of the key wool assurance initiatives and a road-map as to how to transition away from mulesed wool within your supply chains.

Read
'WelFur' - Certified Cruel

'WelFur' - Certified Cruel

Why WelFur fails to stop the suffering of animals on fur farms.

Read
Economic study on transitioning to non-mulesed sheep

Economic study on transitioning to non-mulesed sheep

A new independent survey of 97 woolgrowers across Australia shows producers achieving higher profitability, operational viability, and improvements on animal welfare after their transition to plain-bodied sheep. The report also includes 7 case studies to guide other sheep producers on their transition plan for a future without mulesing.

Read

Animal Welfare Resources

Support for brands and retailers. 

Brown cowPolicy Guidance
Merino sheepReports
Chloé storefrontCase Studies
Two white ducksFact Sheets
ClothIndustry Newsletter

Policy Guidance

The FOUR PAWS policy development guides can assist brands in developing effective animal protection frameworks.

Animal Welfare Policy Development Guidelines in Textiles

Animal Welfare Policy Development Guidelines in Textiles

For brands choosing to continue using animal-derived materials, FOUR PAWS encourages the swift development or strengthening of existing animal welfare policies. These should include a robust vision, goals, and an implementation plan, all aimed at achieving the highest possible animal welfare standards. The FOUR PAWS policy development guidelines can assist brands in developing these essential animal protection plans and contain guidance per animal-derived material.

Read
Transitioning away from mulesed wool. A guide on why and how

Transitioning away from mulesed wool. A guide on why and how

Featuring interviews with brand sustainability managers who have committed to move away from mulesing, including fashion powerhouses H&M, Kathmandu and Espirit, the mulesing guidebook presents information on what mulesing is, the solutions, and a roadmap as to how to transition away from mulesed wool within your supply chains.

Read

Reports

Find FOUR PAWS latest reports about the state of animal welfare in textiles or issue specific research collated here.

Stack of wool sweaters

Animal Welfare in Fashion Report 2021

FOUR PAWS 2021 report shows that while good progress is being made fashion brands need to step up for animals

Read now
Two foxes in a cage

'WelFur' - Certified Cruel

Why WelFur fails to stop the suffering of animals on fur farms

Read now
Merino sheep with horns

Economic study on transitioning to non-mulesed sheep

A new independent survey of 97 woolgrowers across Australia shows producers achieving higher profitability, operational viability, and improvements on animal welfare after their transition to plain-bodied sheep

Read now

Case Studies

FOUR PAWS aims to help facilitate information sharing among industry to expediate change for animals. The below case studies provide an insight into company decision making processes, learnings, and examples of positive change.

Chloé store in Paris, France

Chloé Case Study

Learn more about Chloé's commitment to animal welfare as part of their wider sustainability strategy

View now
Sheep in a field

Ortovox Case Study

Learn more about Ortovox's transition to certified non-mulesed wool

View now
Woman in a outerwear vest standing in a flower field

Pangaia Case Study

Learn more about Pangaia's journey to develop high-quality outerwear using cruelty-free next-gen materials.

View now

Fact Sheets

It’s important for brands to have a good understanding of the ethical factors of a material when considering their potential use. The fact sheets below contain both general information on each material as well as FOUR PAWS recommendations. 

FOUR PAWS initiatives with brands

Find out more

Brands against Mulesing

Brands against Mulesing

Around the world, fashion brands are stepping up to help end the cruel mutilation of merino lambs

More
Fur Free Retailer Logo

Fur Free Retailer Program 

Take a stand and join other brands in supporting a fur free future!

Here
Sheep in Australia

SIGN THE BRAND LETTER OF INTENT ON MULESING

Textile brands are moving away from mulesed sheep wool and calling for a more ethical mulesing-free wool industry

More
Flock of sheep

Need any support?

Don't hesitate to get in touch via email at wearitkind@four-paws.org

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