American Express has finally removed crocodile skin bags from its Membership Rewards program following pressure from PETA.
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American Express has finally removed crocodile skin bags from its Membership Rewards program.
The corporation has been under hefty pressure to scrap the incentive, following five years of campaigning from vegan charity PETA.
In fact, American Express has received more than 300,000 messages from PETA supporters urging the company to make the move.
As a result, PETA has sent the banking giant a set of crocodile-shaped vegan chocolates.
‘The tide is turning’
“The tide is turning against exotic skins. It’s clear that people—especially young consumers—don’t want to support industries that abuse animals,” the charity states.
“Instead of killing and wearing animals for fashion, companies like American Express can offer rewards made with vegan leathers—like those made out of grapes, teak leaves, pineapples, and many other materials—delivering the cutting edge of fashion to its valued customers.”
PETA also cited a recent Glamour survey which found around 73% of Generation Z members identify as animal rights activists.
.Image via Getty
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Crocodile skin
The use of exotic animal skins such as crocodile is dwindling in the fashion industry.
In 2020, British handbag label Mulberry announced it was banning the use of exotic animals skins in its designs. This included the skins of alligators, crocodiles, ostriches, lizards, and snakes.
Mulberry group sustainability manager Rosie Wollacott said: “We have spent a lot of time determining and then continually reviewing our sustainability metrics and targets. At an early stage of this process, we decided not to use exotics in our collections, and this remains our position.”
‘A sign of the times’
Director of corporate projects at PETA, Yvonne Taylor, added: “Behind every handbag or wallet made with exotic skins is an animal who suffered tremendously.
“Mulberry’s decision to ban these cruelly obtained materials is a sign of the times. PETA calls on other luxury labels to follow its lead.”
Luxury fashion houses such as Chanel, HUGO BOSS, and Burberry have also implemented similar bans.
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Don’t miss our guide to the best sustainable fashion brands.
Featured image: Jami Tarris via Getty
