Furmark, the global certification and traceability system for natural fur, has set an ambitious target of over a million labels going into markets in the next two years.
- Since its launch in September 2021, Furmark has gathered 150 manufacturers to join the system and provide natural fur garments to a global network of retailers.
- Over 50,000 Furmark garments are currently available in international markets: on shopfloors, in department stores, and online.
Expansion Plans: Following the growing demand from luxury brands and groups to expand the Furmark certification, the International Fur Federation (IFF), which is behind the bale, now plans to further advance the system to incorporate additional fur types, including chinchilla and nutria, as well as working with the shearling industry to develop new protocols to certify shearling.
- Currently, the Furmark system includes the following fur types: mink, fox, finnraccoon, swakara, farm-raised sable, wild sable and wild fur.
- In addition, Furmark will introduce a new aspect to the system, focusing on remodelling and repairing.
- The new functionality will not only enable modification by Furmark certified manufacturers using Furmark certified pelts, but will also hold a record of maintenance.
- This will enable consumers to have confidence that the fur they're purchasing is traceable as well as trackable with all its maintenance records on file, promoting longevity and durability.
The System: The Furmark system allows customers to buy and wear natural fur with total confidence that their garments are guaranteed to have met strict animal welfare standards and considerations for environmental standards.
- Developed by the IFF with inputs from the LVMH group, the system is meant to assure consumers about making a natural fur purchase that is Furmark certified.
- Every Furmark garment comes complete with a unique, counterfeit-protected, alphanumeric code, which provides full traceability details to the consumer, including the fur type, fur origin, which animal welfare programme it falls under, the manufacturer, and the place of manufacture.
What they said:
Amongst all the uncertainty and hardships we've faced, with the pandemic, the sanctions in Russia, and the multiple lockdowns throughout China, much like many other industries, the fur industry has certainly operated in ebbs and flows. However, behind-the-scenes, the people of this industry have shown incredible resilience, and have come together in a way that can only incite optimism and excitement.
— Mark Oaten
Chief Executive Officer
International Fur Federation
