In a world where the environmental question is becoming crucial, it is important for us to make clear and honnest information available to the fashion industry regarding the impact of faux fur on the planet in order to make informed decisions. ECOPEL wishes to have a pragmatic view on the question in order to be part of the discussion about the environmental question.

Regarding the impact of faux fur, a consistent body of evidence suggests that despite rumours, faux fur is far from being an environmental issue.

FACT #1

Faux fur is a niche production : it represents less than 0,1 % of the 80 billions garments produced every year. The production of faux fur is not linked to any form of documented environmental degradation.

FACT #2

Few years ago, two reports issued by the eco experts of the Ce Delft found that 5 faux fur coats have significantly less impact on climate change then that of one mink fur coat.

CE Delft Reports can be found here :

https://www.cedelft.eu/publicatie/the_environmental_impact_of_mink_fur_production/1131

https://www.cedelft.eu/en/publications/1409/natural-mink-fur-and-faux-fur-products-an

The carbon footprint of the production chain of a single piece of mink (28 Kg CO2 -eqv / pelt) or fox (83 Kg CO2 - eqv / pelt) is at the same level as the carbon footprint resulting from one to three days's average consumption of a consumer.

Source : https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.3920/978-90-8686-760-8_15

Indeed, it takes at least 4 times more energy to produce a real fur coat than a faux fur coat. The making of one mink fur coat emits 7 times more CO2 than the making of one faux fur coat.

The HIGG Material Sustainability Index which scores textiles based on their environmental costs of production showed that synthetics have a less negative impact than other types of fabrics.

Polyester and acrylic rank respectively 10 and 12 while animal-based textiles rank at the highest positions (a higher score is worse)

A faux fur coat does not add microfibers in the oceans.

It will be washed once a year therefore its impact can not be compared to that of other synthetics washed every weeks. In addition to that : a faux fur coat will have to be washed at very low temperature (less than 30°) thus minimizing the release of microfibers in the water.

A faux fur coat at the end of its life can be repurposed in other items or given to a local shelter where it can be used to keep injured animals comforted and warm.

Synthetic waste can be upgraded into new sources of energy like industrial gaz or fuel.

In view of all these elements, it is safe to say that faux fur is an eco-efficient fabric that can help the fashion industry to reduce its use of animals while having a lesser impact on climate change.

The image of faux fur is extremely positive. In using faux fur, a fashion brand send to the world the wonderful signal that it is possible to maintain a high level of creativity while being responsible.