Panthera and ECOPEL have united to create sustainable “Heritage Furs,” replacing real leopard furs in southern Africa’s cultural and religious ceremonies, reducing leopard killings and promoting conservation efforts.
Johannesburg, South Africa (06 July 2023) – In a remarkable collaboration that blends sustainable fashion with wildlife conservation, Panthera and ECOPEL have joined forces to create a groundbreaking collection of high-quality, bio-based “Heritage Furs.”
These innovative garments are set to replace real leopard furs worn during cultural and religious ceremonies in southern Africa, aiming to reduce the killing of wild leopards in the region.
Panthera, a global leader in wild cat conservation, is dedicated to safeguarding the 40 species of wild cats and their habitats. Their leopard conservation initiatives span across 13 countries worldwide. ECOPEL, on the other hand, serves as the premier international faux fur textile and apparel manufacturer for over 300 top fashion brands.
A decade ago, Panthera scientists made a distressing discovery—despite South Africa’s leopard population being fewer than 5,000, over 800 leopards were being killed annually for their fur within the country. Shockingly, their research also revealed that as many as 15,000 illegal leopard furs were worn during religious gatherings in southern Africa, with the belief that donning these furs bestowed the strength of the leopard upon the wearer.
Responding to this critical situation, Panthera launched the Furs for Life Leopard Program (FFL). Through digital design, they created an alternative “Heritage Fur” and supplied over 18,500 synthetic leopard fur capes, known as amambatha, to the Nazareth Baptist Church eBuhleni (Shembe Church) for use in religious gatherings. This visionary program, supported by Cartier For Nature Philanthropy, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and Peace Parks Foundation, has already achieved a remarkable 50 percent reduction in the use of authentic leopard fur. Consequently, it has prevented the deaths of thousands of leopards, with some wild populations now stabilizing or even increasing in the region. The success of this initiative has garnered support from Shembe leaders, highlighting its culturally-sensitive approach to conservation.
Expanding on the accomplishments of the Furs for Life program, the newly formed alliance between Panthera and ECOPEL will provide the Shembe community with a minimum of 600 meters of KOBA-blend textile, which will be used to create 1,200 amambatha. These new Heritage Furs, marketed as luxury garments for Shembe followers and leaders, will be tailored by enterprises in South Africa. This approach ensures that the Shembe community directly benefits from employment opportunities and future profits from the sales of Heritage Furs.
The development of KOBA, a bio-based fur textile, is a significant milestone in sustainable fashion. KOBA was created in collaboration with renowned vegan fashion designer Stella McCartney and made its debut at her 2020 Paris Fashion Week show. It represents ECOPEL’s most ambitious sustainability initiative, aligning with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030.
KOBA fur integrates up to 40% Sorona, a corn-based fiber renowned for its softness, versatility, and durability. This innovative alternative not only reduces the demand for illicitly-sourced leopard fur but also diminishes the environmental impact associated with fossil fuel-based materials. Compared to nylon, KOBA production requires 30% less energy and decreases greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 63%. Moreover, the KOBA Heritage Fur utilizes Oeko-Tex certified fibers, ensuring their harmlessness to human health. These fibers are produced in ECOPEL’s Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certified facility.
Dr. Gareth Mann, the Director of Panthera’s Leopard Program, expressed his organization’s commitment to strategic partnerships that offer sustainable conservation solutions, stating, “At the intersection of conservation and luxury fashion, this collaboration demonstrates the vast possibilities that exist for bettering our planet when innovation and cross-industry alliances are embraced.”
The use of faux furs in luxury fashion is gaining momentum as a symbol of modernity and ethical responsibility. Luxury group Kering, including renowned brands like Gucci and Balenciaga, has already banned fur across its collections since Fall 2022. Celebrities also lend their voices to this movement, further amplifying the shift towards sustainable alternatives.
Arnaud Brunois-Gavard, ECOPEL’s Sustainability Manager, emphasized the deep-rooted inspiration that the beauty of leopard fur has provided to the world of luxury fashion. He stated, “Creating garments in their likeness is one way of showing our awe and gratitude for the planet’s wildlife.” ECOPEL is thrilled to contribute to the Furs for Life program, aligning with the movement of solidarity for the future of leopards, reducing the environmental footprint, and supporting local communities in celebrating meaningful traditions.
While leopard fur remains prevalent in stores around the world, the species itself faces significant threats in the wild. Beyond the direct killing for fur, leopards suffer from conflicts with communities over livestock and fall victim to bushmeat poaching. In response, Panthera expanded its conservation efforts with the Furs for Life program, launching Saving Spots in 2019. This culturally sensitive partnership with the Barotse Royal Establishment of the Lozi people in western Zambia has resulted in nearly 70 percent of participants wearing synthetic Heritage Furs, replacing authentic furs from leopards, servals, and lions. This remarkable initiative has contributed to reducing illicit hunting of wild cats across southern Africa.
In addition to the Furs for Life and Saving Spots initiatives, Panthera’s LeopardSpotted campaign aims to raise $20 million for leopard conservation worldwide. By encouraging the use of the #leopardspotted tag on social media posts featuring leopard print fashion, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the plight of this charismatic yet highly endangered big cat.
The partnership between Panthera and ECOPEL represents a powerful step towards protecting leopards and preserving cultural traditions. It showcases the potential for sustainable collaborations to create positive change, bridging the gap between fashion and conservation. With innovative solutions like the KOBA bio-based fur textile, we can celebrate and appreciate the beauty of wildlife while ensuring a future where leopards thrive in their natural habitats.
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