Make A Responsible Shift From Animal Fur To Faux Fur Fabrics

Animal fur has been traditionally used for many centuries as the material of choice to keep humans warm during harsh winters. Garments made out of animal fur have always looked classy and expensive while the soft fur provided warmth and comfort to the wearer.

However, in recent years many environmentalists have raised their voice against animal cruelty during the process of collection of raw material, which is animal fur in this case. This is why the entire fashion industry has made a big bold move towards using faux fur which is eco-friendly and more sustainable in the long run. Also, people are proud of the fact that they are a part of a responsible move that prevents animal cruelty which has made the faux fur industry grow at a very rapid rate.

Easetex, a manufacturing company that deals with faux fur textiles and the production of apparel made from fabrics made by sewing faux fur. They are located in Nanjing, China, and have vertically-integrated mills that allow them to carry out all the processes involved in textile manufacturing and garment production.  

Before completely making a shift to using faux fur, let us make a more informed decision by exactly knowing the process by which faux fur is manufactured, the pros and cons of using faux fur, and if it is an environmentally friendly solution when compared to animal fur.

Faux fur production

By blending acrylic, modacrylic, and polyester fibers, the faux fur fabric is created and is cut, and then processed in a way to simulate the look and feel of animal fur. You can create all types of animal fur textures using faux fur. Some common examples are faux rabbit, sheepskin, and faux fox. Many luxurious faux fur fabrics are available in the textile market including a chinchilla, leopard, beaver, sable, and many more.

Faux fur comes in 3 lengths of piles of fur fabric: long, medium, and short. All three piles are not just different in their lengths but also their texture. Production of faux fur takes place in the following steps:

1. The raw material is collected in different fiber combinations and dyed into desired colors.

2. Fibers are converted into faux fur using various techniques like weaving, tufting, and silver knitting.

3. Faux fur fabric is treated using heat followed by triggering during which any loose fibers in the fabric are removed.

4. This is followed by electrifying the fabric by combing it using grooved cylinders heated to a specific degree.

5. Chemical treatment is the next step in the manufacturing process.

6. During chemical treatment, silicones and resins are used to treat the fabric for improving its texture.

7. The final fabrics are labeled as per government regulations to make the buyers aware that they are purchasing imitation fur and not real fur.

8. The fabric is then made to go through various quality controls before it is packed and shipped.

Benefits of using faux fur over animal fur

1. The entire production is cruelty-free:

While animal fur has been a style statement for so many years, we are slowly becoming conscious of our actions and our coexistence with animals. Thus, faux fur allows us to buy something that has been made in a completely cruelty-free environment.

Just one piece of a garment made out of animal fur requires not just one but many animal sacrifices which can make us feel guilty. Faux fur helps in keeping the luxury element in the garments without the guilt element.

2. It is more durable:

You can use the faux fur garments regularly unlike animal furs which were stored for special occasions only. As these fabrics can be machine washed without getting damaged, their durability is way superior to animal furs.

3. It is easier to clean and maintain:

While constant upkeep is required for animal furs which means more expenses, faux fur fabrics are machine washable.

By following manufacturing instructions, your faux fur fabric will not lose its color or its texture even after several washes.

4. It does not require expensive storage solutions:

Animal furs need special climate-controlled storage solutions, while faux fur needs just a clean dry place in your closet for storing until next use.

5. It is available in so many textures and colors to add to the wardrobe:

Faux fur is more customizable into different cuts, colors, and textures. This is why the trend of using garments made out of faux fur is increasing and you don’t have to restrict yourself to natural colors.

6. It is less expensive:

Animal furs can cost a fortune if it is genuine, faux furs provide luxury that is affordable to most people.

Cons of using faux fur

• The claims of faux fur being environmental friendly are not true:

  Traditional synthetic fibers are not as biodegradable as animal furs and can take years to break down, thus, creating an extra load of non-biodegradable material.

  Also, chemicals produced during the manufacturing of faux fur are toxic and can be damaging to the health of the planet and human lives.

  
  

• It is not resistant to extreme temperatures:

  Faux fur can be damaged when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods and can also be affected by frost.

  
  

• The texture of the fur is coarse:

  Despite chemical and heat treatment, the faux fur fabric has a coarse texture when compared to soft animal fur.

Even though faux fur is not completely eco-friendly, it is still more sustainable than animal fur. Many textile industries are moving towards producing more sustainable faux fur alternatives, like recycled faux fur and bio-based fur. Also, faux fur production emits less CO2 than animal fur, thus reducing the negative impact on the environment even further.

Many famous brands have chosen to withdraw their use of animal furs to stop animal cruelty and are using faux fur by making use of the benefits of this type of synthetic fur material. Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, House of Fluff, and Michael Kors are some of the brands on this list who want a cruelty-free alternative for manufacturing their product range.