Major Sportswear Brands Ditch Kangaroo Leather in Soccer Cleats
In a significant move towards ethical sourcing, major sportswear brands Puma and Nike have announced they will discontinue the use of kangaroo leather in their soccer cleats. Nike has gone a step further, committing to stop using kangaroo skin altogether by the end of 2023. New Balance has also joined the trend, pledging to phase out kangaroo skins in its footwear by the end of 2024.
Adidas remains the last major footwear company still selling shoes made from kangaroo skin. New Balance, however, has already restricted its sourcing of kangaroo leather to what is legally allowable. California has taken a stand against the use of kangaroo skins, implementing a state ban on their sale. This decision by New Balance was welcomed by Australian lawmakers, who have long advocated for the protection of kangaroos.
The shift in the industry is not limited to these brands. Nike, while having used kangaroo leather in the past, particularly for its Tiempo series, has been reducing its use in favor of other materials. Adidas and Puma have also used kangaroo leather in their soccer shoes, but their current practices are unclear. Umbro, another brand, has used kangaroo leather in the past, but its current practices are not well documented.
The Kangaroo Protection Act has been reintroduced in Congress, aiming to ban the sale of kangaroo skin in commercial products in the U.S. This move, along with the decisions by major sportswear brands, signals a growing awareness and concern for animal welfare and sustainability in the industry.
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