Interview CAFT holds a protest outside of CFDA's New York City HQ. Credits: Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade. 2025 was a milestone year for animal welfare. From prohibiting animal-based materials on major global platforms to all round production bans, the period proved to be a promising inflection point for the industry. What was once seen as a niche concern has rapidly evolved into a commercial expectation, driven by consumer scrutiny, regulatory pressure, and the growing commercialisation of animal-free materials. Yet, while many can hail the period as progress, there is still a lot more work to be done in both securing and expanding the future of animal-friendly practices across the industry. Representatives from animal welfare groups agree that while 2025 marked a tipping point, the most challenging work still lies ahead. What changed in 2025: Structural pressures and increased visibility 1. Social media forces accountability Across the industry, several forces merged to help accelerate change. Animal rights organisations largely point to social media as a driving influence in enabling wider visibility, leaving brands exposed to reputational risks and ensuring accountability. As a result, animal welfare issues that once remained abstract are now widely documented and shared. “It is easier than ever to access information about how animal-derived materials are produced – the rampant animal abuse and egregious cruelty of these industries are on public display thanks to social media,” PETA’s VP of corporate projects, Yvonne Taylor, said. 2. A broader reframing of animal welfare Such visibility, as well as…
