Woolrich Europe to end use of animal fur in new garments by 2027

Woolrich Europe will stop producing new garments containing animal fur for the European market from January 1, 2027, following a campaign by animal protection organisations calling on the outdoor apparel brand to adopt a fur-free policy.

The announcement follows calls by the Fur Free Alliance (FFA), which said supporters sent Woolrich more than 200,000 emails and staged demonstrations outside its stores across Europe. The brand is reportedly also working to extend its commitment beyond Europe.

Woolrich Europe, which was acquired by BasicNet last year, joins around 1,700 fashion brands and retailers participating in the FFA’s Fur Free Retailer Programme and aligns itself with competitors like Canada Goose, Moncler, Napapijri and Parajumpers, which have also moved away from fur.

In a statement, Thomas Pietsch, responsible for animal welfare in textiles at Four Paws, an FFA member, welcomed the decision, stating: "More brands are recognising that consumers expect stylish and functional products that do not rely on animal suffering.

"This commitment sends a strong signal to the industry and the EU Commission at a time when policymakers are considering the future of fur production and trade in the EU."

The move comes as the European Commission prepares its response to the Fur Free Europe citizens’ initiative, which gathered more than 1.5 million signatures calling for an end to fur farming and sales in the EU. A recently published economic report cited by the FFA also found that an EU-wide fur farming ban would be cheaper than investing in higher welfare standards for animals farmed for fur.