Dive Brief:
- Athleticwear brand Mizuno plans to stop using kangaroo leather in its products, according to a letter sent to the Center for a Human Economy and seen by Fashion Dive.
- Mizuno is “currently planning a gradual phase-out of kangaroo leather” in its products, “although a specific timeline has not yet been finalized,” said Tomoyo Matsuda, manager of sustainability initiatives at the Japan-based brand, in the letter.
- The announcement follows similar announcements from Adidas and Asics, which both announced they would cease their use of kangaroo leather by the end of this year.
Dive Insight:
In a Saturday press release, Jennifer Skiff, director of international programs for the Center for a Humane Economy, said she had been asking Mizuno President Akito Mizuno to “act with deliberate speed” in putting an end to its use of kangaroo leather.
A January review of listings by Skiff’s organization, based mainly on offerings from Soccer.com, showed that Mizuno was offering 28 models of kangaroo-leather shoes, which made it “the top user of kangaroo skin in the global athletic footwear market,” per the release.
The announcement from Mizuno was “a tremendous victory for animals” and for ethical business practices, Skiff said
“Mizuno and its major competitors could no longer deny our stark analysis that their sourcing practices, tied to the inhumane commercial slaughter of native wildlife, were out of alignment with their animal welfare and sustainability policies,” Skiff said in the release.
In Mizuno’s response to Skiff’s organization, Matsuda said the company recognized the concerns regarding kangaroo leather. However, Matsuda said “it is also true that this material has been valued by athletes and consumers for its unique combination of lightness, strength, and flexibility.”
While the company will move away from k-leather, Matsuda said Mizuno selects materials based on values including “not only functionality but also environmental considerations” and that the company “will achieve sustainable procurement in harmony with society.”
Mizuno didn’t immediately respond to Fashion Dive’s request for comment.
A U.S. bill called the Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025, introduced in March, also targets the use of k-leather and other kangaroo parts. If enacted, the legislation would ban commercial imports, sales and manufacturing of kangaroo products in the U.S.
Meanwhile, multiple fashion companies in the U.S. continue to use kangaroo skin, including Athleta, L.L. Bean and Lucchese.
