Economics & Numbers

Sales of fur have steadily increased over the last 10 years and in 2012/13, the global fur industry was valued at over $40 billion (PwC Italy) – roughly the same as the wifi industry. In the UK BFTA retails members reported a 20% increase in sales during 2014/15 selling season.

Approximately 85- 90% of all fur sold comes from specialty fur farms, and approximately 15-20% comes from abundant wild fur animal populations.

In 2013-14, 87.2 million mink pelts were produced globally with a total value of €3.7bn. There were also 7.78m fox pelts with a value of more than €880m.

By far the biggest exporter of fur is Europe, and the biggest importer of fur is China. Demand for fur has remained stable in the traditional markets throughout the international economic downturn, and demand is growing not only in China but also in Korea, Ukraine and South America. (Source: International Fur Federation)

Fur Now launches in Tatler

The latest FurNow Campaign has launched in Tatler here in the UK, viewable in the December Issue.

www.thisisfurnow.com

FurNow16-Banner-2

FurNow16-Banner

Fur Summer School

 

Fur Europe and Hellenic Fur Federation in cooperation organised a Fur Creativity Summer School in Greece, located in the “fur-historically” significant Macedonia area. This pilot project brings together young people from diversified roles in the whole fur production chain like fashion people, animal technicians, economists and retailers, and it aims to promote fur industry for young people as well as empower the fur business entrepreneurship.

We are proud to say out of the 25 attendees, 3 of which are UK sponsored and also BFTA Associate Members.

IMG_6623 IMG_6681 IMG_6661 IMG_6660 IMG_6659

Fur Talks

Our work with students, universities and colleges continues to be a top priority. By providing factual information about fur production and the fur industry students gain an objective and informed view on topics such as, sustainability, ethics, animal welfare, fur production and processing and traceability.  We are happy to provide speakers to come along to talk to students and give them the opportunity to ask questions. These talks are balanced, transparent and very interesting!

I simply wanted to say that I thought the talk you gave was brilliant! It was informative, objective , and backed up well, which I must commend you on. Unfortunately there is still an amplified stigma attached to the production of fur, and I think it takes a lot not just to stand up for the use of fur, but to also educate people about it, as many people can be close minded, and even aggressive when discussing fur.’   Quote from student, November 2015

We are also working to help develop students technical skills – a mix of the traditional and the innovative.  We do this by working with college staff and technicians to strengthen the fur component of courses, running practical workshops and arranging demonstrations with BFTA furriers. If you are interested in either of the above please talk to us.

 

 

 

The black hat debate

A new campaign has been released targeting the Ministry of Defence for using real skin in Palace Guard hats.

The MoD says that the pelts come from Canadian bears killed during government culls.

In a statement, the MoD said, ‘Over the last 20 years there have been a number of trials of synthetic alternatives to bear pelts which have, to date, proved unsuccessful as nothing has matched the properties of the natural product.

‘The Ministry of Defence does not buy bear pelts – only ceremonial caps.’

 

Alan Herscovici – Executive Vice-President of the Fur Council of Canada comments:

Black bears are highly abundant across Canada. In fact, a certain number must be culled each year to maintain healthy and stable populations. Sometimes specific bears must also be killed because they persist in coming too close to humans; a number of Canadians are killed each year by black bears.  Since some black bears must killed (to maintain balance with available habitat), we believe that it is ethical to use these animals, rather than waste them. This is consistent with the responsible and sustainable use of renewable natural resources – a central environmental conservation principle that is promoted by the IUCN and all serious conservation authorities. 

 

Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2015/11/02/new-campaign-to-stop-black-bears-being-killed-for-hats-for-palace-guards-5475583/#ixzz3qWOLUcVi

 

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: A Guard of Honour leaves Buckingham Palace after Queen Elizabeth II returned following the State Opening of Parliament on June 4, 2014 in London, England. Queen Elizabeth II unveiled the coalition government's legislative programme in a speech delivered to Members of Parliament and Peers in The House of Lords. Proposed legislation is expected to be introduced on a 5p charge for plastic bags in England, funding of workplace pensions, new state-funded childcare subsidy and reforms to speed up infrastructure projects. (Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images)

Storage

Professional storage during the summer months is most important to protect your fur from insects, heat damage, oxidation or mildew. Fur vaults specifically designed to protect the lasting quality of a fur garment offer temperature, humidity, and light-controlled environments. Air exchange is carefully regulated and temperatures are kept below 50° Fahrenheit with a constant humidity level of 50%. No cupboard in your home can duplicate these conditions adequately.

Cleaning

You do not clean a fur coat just because it gets dirty. The number one concern with fur material is that the natural oils in the pelts will dry out. If you feel a fur and then rub your fingers you should be able to feel a very slight oiliness. Dust, pollutants, and airborne particulates are attracted to this and get caught in the hairs of the fur. They then act as a sponge drawing the natural oils out of the pelts. These particles also have an abrasive effect on the hairs of the fur that can wear on the natural shine of the fur over time, causing it to look old and tired. When you clean a fur your primary goal is to remove these materials from the hairs. For this reason, when an expert furrier recommends cleaning your fur yearly, he/she is doing so in your best interest.

Recycling

Buying a fur piece is an investment whether it is brand new or second hand in many respects it is like buying an antique, it is something that gets better with age and can last a lifetime, if looked after properly. However, tastes, fashions and styles change. Fur garments, like antiques can be remodelled and redesigned to reflect modern trends and look. Many furriers offer a service to remodel, clean and store garments.