Zalando supports calls to stop mulesing
Global animal welfare organisation Four Paws has confirmed that Zalando has committed to transitioning towards 100% certified mulesing-free wool within their own brands by 2023.
Mulesing refers to the mutilation of lambs and is only practiced in Australia, the world´s largest producer of merino wool by far.
45 international fashion brands have expressed their intention to exclusively source certified mulesing-free wool in an open letter to the Australian wool industry. Other brands who have signed the letter include Adidas, Primark, Marks & Spencer, Hugo Boss, The North Face and H&M.
The aim of the letter is to put economic pressure on the Australian sheep wool industry to end mulesing as well as to send a signal to woolgrowers that a growing number of brands demand this transition.
70% of the world’s Merino wool production and as much as 80% of the popular fine Merino wool used in the global fashion industry come from Australia. There have long been alternatives, such as sheep breeds that are more resistant to blowflies than the over-bred Merino sheep.
Emily Wilson, Four Paws UK Head of Campaigns, said: "In signing the ‘Brand Letter of Intent’, Europe's largest online retailer is ensuring more animal welfare in its production chain.
"We have been campaigning against mulesing for many years and are seeing massive inroads with fashion brands across the world and today is another step forward in eradicating the outdated and extremely painful mulesing practice. The Australian wool industry can no longer ignore this."
