According to Italian media, Prada was pressured by animal rights groups such as Lega Anti Vivisezione (LAV), which claims that the kangaroo culling that takes place in Australia is a “massacre” and not a “sustainable harvest”. Italy is the main importer of kangaroo leather in Europe. Other Italian brands that have stop using kangaroo leather include Diadora, which belongs to the Geox Group, and Versace.
Prada Group’s brands include Prada, Miu Miu, Church’s, Car Shoe and Marchesi 1824.
The move is seen by insiders in the leather industry as more of a publicity stunt than a business decision with many brands bowing to pressure by campaign groups. In Australia, kangaroo numbers are controlled by legal culling operations annually to maintain a healthy population and protect habitats. While the animals continue to be culled then the skins would be available and instead of being used to make products will simply be landfilled instead. It is unlikely any kangaroo would be saved from the cull by brands and retailers refusing to use their skins.
Source: Il Sole 24 Ore
