‘Faux Fur’ means ‘No Fur’ . . . or does it?
Why is this a trending topic?
Recently, there has been concern over retailed products being labelled as ‘faux fur’, being made from real fur.
An article in the Metro stated that the RSPCA found, fur trims and pom poms on coats, hats and bags labelled as ‘100% polyester faux fur’ to be from raccoons and Angora rabbits. The RSPCA has warned people to be extra vigilant when buying faux fur.
The Telegraph published that cat, rabbit, and raccoon dog fur had all been discovered at well-renowned high street stores. This affected a wide variety of retailed products including footwear, clothing, and accessories.
The passing-off of ‘real fur’ as ‘faux fur’ has in some cases impacted consumer trust. As the demand for real fur has significantly reduced, it is now cheaper than the cost of faux fur (ref. BBC).
In addition to damaging consumer trust, the sale of real fur as faux fur may have broken several international trading laws, raising significant concerns over animal welfare in the supply chain and illegal trade.
It is the responsibility of brands and retailers to provide consumers with assurance relating to the accurate content of products sold.
Test your fur - How to find out if your product is ‘real’ or ‘faux fur’
Fur Testing
At Eurofins | BLC, we can test many types of consumer products for authenticity to determine whether the leather and fur content is real or faux. Eurofins | BLC advise brands and retailers to carry out their own due diligence testing for products where there may be concerns over the origins of materials. Accepting confirmation from suppliers alone could present a risk.
Eurofins | BLC can test your fur products using Microscopy or chemical and physical testing to establish whether they are from natural sources or have synthetic origins i.e. 'fur' or 'faux'.
More information on Fur Testing
How to provide assurance to consumers that your product is ‘real leather’
Eurofins | BLC has over 95 years’ experience in the leather industry so who better to verify your leather than the leather experts?
Leather Verification Testing
Eurofins | BLC can also test your products to ensure that they are genuine leather through leather verification testing. You need leather verification testing to retail your products as ‘genuine leather’. At Eurofins | BLC, we will test your products to ensure the material used is in accordance to BS 2780: 1983+A1:2013.
More Information on Leather Verification
Leathermark Testing (UK)
If you are a Eurofins | BLC Member or a supplier to a Eurofins | BLC Member, you can test products destined for retail in the UK for the use of the Leathersure Certified Trademark (Leathermark). This mark is used to provide assurance to consumers that your product consists of at least 80% leather.
The Leathermark is used as a successful marketing tool by many brands to promote genuine leather products in the UK.
More About Leathermark Testing
Contact Eurofins | BLC Today
Eurofins | BLC can help with any concerns or questions you may have about the genuine origins of products in your supply chain, including fur and leather. To test your products with us, contact us today via [email protected] or telephone +44(0)1604 679999.
22 May 2017