British fashion designers have recently called the United Kingdom to ban the sale of natural fur. Following lobbying efforts from a small group of activists, several British designers, including Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, and Erdem Moralioglu, recently requested British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ban the sale of natural fur in the United Kingdom.
The Natural fiber Alliance (NFA) criticized their statement and said that plastic is no choice due to enhanced environmental concerns. NFA noted that the move could be seen as a ‘cynical attempt’ by businesses to use the government to harm their competition.
The Natural Fibers Alliance is a coalition of producers and associations that support the use of natural, sustainable materials in clothing, accessories, and other goods. Synthetic materials and the “fast fashion” industry are putting plastic pollution in our oceans and dumping non-biodegradable clothes into landfills, while misguided activist groups are seeking to curtail the use of sustainable, natural materials.
Mike Brown, head of sustainability and communications at the Natural Fibers Alliance, said, “Designers should know the freedom of expression, freedom of choice, and sustainability are vital in fashion. Their advocacy in favor of plastic clothing is tacky and short-sighted.”
