Adidas ends use of kangaroo leather in footwear
Adidas has confirmed it will no longer source kangaroo leather for its footwear, bringing an end to its involvement in the trade.
Chief executive Bjørn Gulden made the announcement at the company’s annual general meeting on May 15.
The decision follows pressure from animal welfare groups, including an in-person appeal by Wayne Pacelle, president of the Centre for a Humane Economy.
Adidas now joins Nike, Puma, New Balance and Sokito in ending the use of kangaroo skins, having previously clarified that the small proportion of kangaroo leather used is sourced exclusively from suppliers that are monitored and certified by the Australian government, to ensure both animal welfare and species protection.
The Center for a Humane Economy launched its ‘Kangaroos Are Not Shoes’ campaign in 2020.
Advocacy groups say Adidas’s decision marks a turning point and will increase pressure on other brands, including Japanese companies Asics and Mizuno, to follow suit.
