Reuters/Fred Thornhill
- Canada Goose will stop purchasing fur in 2021 and end all manufacturing with fur by the end of 2022.
- It previously defended using fur trims, saying these disrupt air flow and guard against frostbite.
- Animal rights groups and activists have pressured the outerwear company to stop using fur for years.
- See more stories on Insider's business page.
Canada Goose is going fur-free after years of pressure from animal rights activists to do so.
The outerwear company will stop buying fur this year and stop making products with it by the end of 2022, according to a press release issued Thursday. Canada Goose says the decision was partly inspired by a focus on "expanding lifestyle relevance."
"Our focus has always been on making products that deliver exceptional quality, protection from the elements, and perform the way consumers need them to; this decision transforms how we will continue to do just that," said Dani Reiss, the company's president and CEO, in the release.
Animal rights groups have criticized the company for years over its use of coyote fur and goose down. The company previously stood by its use of fur in its popular jackets and other products, saying animal fur trims disrupt cold air flow and guard against frostbite.
"This is a significant step forward toward building a more humane and sustainable world," said Barbara Cartwright, the CEO of Humane Canada, in the release. "We applaud Canada Goose's commitment to end the use of all fur by late 2022 and the leadership position they are taking in their industry."
The animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which has been one of Canada Goose's biggest critics, welcomed the news.
"PETA and its affiliates are suspending their international campaigns against Canada Goose today, after years of eye-catching protests, hard-hitting exposés, celebrity actions, and legal battles, as the company has finally conceded and will stop using fur - sparing sensitive, intelligent, coyotes from being caught and killed in barbaric steel traps," said the organization's president, Ingrid Newkirk, in a statement. "PETA will now re-engage the company to push for an end to its use of feathers, which geese and ducks continue to suffer for."
Canada Goose previously announced plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by slashing them by more than 80% by 2025.
Earlier this year, the company debuted its most sustainable parka to date, the Standard Expedition Parka. Canada Goose says this one generates 30% less carbon and uses 65% less water in manufacturing compared to its in-line Expedition Parka.
Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Gucci are among the other big names who have gone fur-free in recent years in response to growing consumer interest in sustainability.