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VF Corporation Prohibits Use of Fur in Products, Emphasizes Ethical Treatment of Animals with New Materials Policy

VF partners with The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International to release its first animal derived materials policy

VF Corporation Prohibits Use of Fur in Products, Emphasizes Ethical Treatment of Animals with New Materials Policy

VF partners with The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International to release its first animal derived materials policy

Published 05-09-17

Submitted by VF Corporation

VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories, today released its first-ever Animal Derived Materials Policy and announced that its brands will no longer use fur, angora or exotic leather in their products.

The progressive new policy, developed in partnership with The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, outlines which animal materials are prohibited and sets formal guidelines for the procurement and use of approved materials by the company’s brands and global supply chain partners. The animal derived materials most often used by VF and its brands are leather, down and wool.

“VF believes that all animals within the global commercial supply chain should be treated with care and respect,” said Letitia Webster, VF’s Vice President of Global Corporate Sustainability. “As we continue to promote the development of viable commercial substitutes to animal materials, this policy will help to ensure that the materials we use today are procured from sources that prioritize animal welfare and responsible business practices.”

VF’s new policy adds another milestone to the company’s history of animal welfare actions. VF’s Timberland® brand partnered with other footwear brands, tanneries and retailers to form the Leather Working Group to promote responsible practices within the leather industry. In 2014, The North Face® brand announced its Responsible Down Standard (RDS), a global standard through which any brand can evaluate and certify its complete down supply chain. The RDS was developed in partnership with Control Union and Textile Exchange, which now manages the program. Also, VF participates in programs centered on best practices in the wool industry.

"The Humane Society of the United States applauds VF for demonstrating compassionate leadership in the apparel and footwear industries,” said PJ Smith, manager of fashion policy for The HSUS. “This robust policy sets a bar to which others in the industry should aspire.” 

“We commend VF for committing to stop using fur and other animal materials in their products,” said Kitty Block, vice president of HSI. “As a leader in the global apparel industry, VF’s policy sends an important message to the industry that animal suffering has no place in fashion.”

The policy strengthens VF’s broader efforts to use responsibly sourced materials throughout its global operations and supply chain. The company also developed and adheres to existing policies for the purchase and use of Conflict Minerals, Cotton Country of Origin, and Forest Derived Materials, in addition to a Restricted Substances List for its chemical management program. 

Learn more about VF’s responsible use of materials and its sustainability and responsibility programs at sustainability.vfc.com

About VF
VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) outfits consumers around the world with its diverse portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands, including Vans®, The North Face®Timberland®, Wrangler®and Lee®. Founded in 1899, VF is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies, product categories and distribution channels. VF is committed to delivering innovative products to consumers and creating long-term value for its customers and shareholders. For more information, visit www.vfc.com.

About The Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the United States is the most effective animal protection organization, as rated by our peers. For more than 60 years, we have celebrated the protection of all animals and confronted all forms of cruelty. We and our affiliates are the nation’s largest provider of hands-on services for animals, caring for more than 150,000 animals each year, and we prevent cruelty to millions more through our advocacy campaigns. Read more about our more than 60 years of transformational change for animals and people. HumaneSociety.org.

About Humane Society International
For more than 25 years, Humane Society International has been protecting animals through the use of science, advocacy, education and hands-on programs around the globe.  HSI is one of the only international organizations in the world working to protect all animals—including animals in laboratories, farm animals, companion animals, and wildlife—and our record of achievement demonstrates our dedication and effectiveness. Web at www.hsi.org 

VF Corporation
Vanessa McCutchen
Director, Public Relations
+1 336.424.7776

The Humane Society of the United States
Samantha Miller
Public Information Officer
smiller@humanesociety.org
+1 301.258.1466

Humane Society International
Raul Arce-Contreras
Public Relations Manager
rcontreras@humanesociety.org
+1 301.721.6440

VF Corporation Logo

VF Corporation

VF Corporation

VF Corporation outfits consumers around the world with its diverse portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands, including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland®, Wrangler® and Lee®. Founded in 1899, VF is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies, product categories and distribution channels. VF is committed to delivering innovative products to consumers and creating long-term value for its customers and shareholders. For more information, visit www.vfc.com

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