The future of animal-free fur

Fur for fashion is needless and unjust, especially with a range of ethical and less environmentally impactful alternatives available.

While even virgin synthetic faux fur has a lower climate impact to produce than animal fur, this does not make it sustainable, either. Fortunately, innovation has produced lower impact solutions.

 
 

Savian

BioFluff creates Savian, a bio-fur made from hemp and nettle: no plastic and no animal inputs.

Savian is available in a range of textures including long fur, shearling, short ‘shaved’ fur, and plenty more.

Fleur

ECOPEL has produced this plant cellulose-based faux fur, after honing their craft creating recycled synthetic faux furs and partly bio-based faux furs for many years prior.

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Recycled faux fur

Recycled faux fur from ECOPEL is made from regenerated plastics retrieved from ocean clean ups and diverted from the waste stream. Garment to garment recycled products would be most beneficial.

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Recycled denim fur

Made from frayed, repurposed denim, this fur may not have the exact likeness of animal fur, but it is chic and edgy.

Originally created by Tiziano Guardini and Ksenia Shnaider, this creation went viral as a sustainable, waste-reducing alternative to animal fur.

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Bio-based PLA fur

PLA biopolymers are the most common form of bio-based furs, made with bio-based plastics made from corn, potato and other plant feedstocks, not fossil fuels. These are typically 100% commercially compostable, but not home-compostable, unlike wholly plant-based fibres.

ECOPEL creates their own, such as GACHA, as does BIOFUR, and Themoiré.

Recycled fibre glass

Bottega Veneta’s Paris Fashion Week runway for S/S26 showcased recycled fibreglass as a fur alternative.

Many different materials can be used to mimic qualities of volume, movement and fluffiness that appeal to us when we consider fur. Fabric manipulation and creative problem solving is key to effective fur replacement.

Want to keep learning?

  • Feather-free design guide

    Both animal fur and feathers can be replaced with create fabric manipulation techniques, explored and outlined in this guide that also features designer interviews.

    Read

  • Media story: cat fur sold under illegal mislabelling

    Our investigation found illegal domestic cat fur being sold under a false label, and this isn’t the first time.

    Read

  • Learn about wild animal skins

    CFJ has supported fashion councils and brands to prohibit wild animal skins sales as a next step after a fur ban, as these materials share similar ethical harms.

    Read