John Lewis decides to ban angora wool

British department store group John Lewis has become the latest retailer to join an ever growing list of

international brands and retailers who have implemented a ban on products containing angora wool.

After being contacted by animal rights organization Peta, John Lewis committed to introducing a permanent ban on angora wool in all future collections, as well as a ban on the sale of third-party labels that contain angora in all its stores.

“As a responsible retailer, John Lewis is committed to ensuring high standards of animal welfare in all stages of the supply chain and we require our suppliers to do likewise. As part of our ongoing programme of supply chain management, we recently contacted suppliers about concerns raised by customers around the sourcing of angora wool,” said a company statement.

“While we found no evidence of unacceptable animal welfare practices, nevertheless we have decided to no longer include angora in future John Lewis own brand or branded products,” concluded John Lewis.

The angora fur controversy first began end of last year, when Peta released uncover footage recorded at ten angora farms in China, which depicted the fur being ripped from the skins of live angora rabbits. A number of fashion retailers and companies, such as Hennes & Mauritz, parent company of H&M, COS and Monki, Asos, Next and IC Companys, quickly responded to the public outcry surrounding angora wool and banned it from their products and shelves.

Some labels and retailers have chosen to implement a permanent ban on angora products, like John Lewis, while others have halted their sourcing until questions concerning the ethical production of angora are clear.