Outerwear Brand Responds To Animal Cruelty Claims

Outdoor lifestyle business Patagonia has vowed to use only 100 per cent traceable down in its products after it faced criticisms of animal cruelty in its supply chain. Coming into effect for AW14, the brand’s range of coats, jackets, vests and scarves will only contain filling that can be traced back to the parent farm. Bosses hope the move will see the business avoid supporting suppliers which force feed or live pluck birds. In 2002 the business reintroduced down to its product line but came under fire in 2010 after incidents that fell below the standards of animal welfare were discovered. A statement from the business said it has “poured resources” into its response: “Instead of playing defense, we met public criticism with transparency – taking a deep look at our failings and discussing openly our mistakes and intentions for fixing them.” Patagonia’s AW14 collection of down-filled products is available to buy online and from UK stockists including John Lewis, Size?, and Present London. Outerwear prices start from £130 for vests, £170 for jackets and £230 for parkas.

Patagonia Traceable Down

Patagonia AW14 Collection