‘Sheer Nonsense’: Stella McCartney On Why Leather Is Not A Byproduct

Stella McCartney spoke at COP28 about the negative environmental and ethical impacts of using leather in the fashion industry. She urged other designers to transition to more sustainable, plant-based alternatives to animal products. McCartney emphasized that leather is not a byproduct of the meat industry, but rather a lucrative industry that contributes to the deaths of over one billion animals annually.

McCartney showcased her brand's plant-based alternatives at COP28, including a new plastic-free leather alternative made from rubber called MIRUM. She expressed optimism that the fashion industry is slowly changing towards more sustainable practices, despite some pushback on the sustainability of vegan leather alternatives. McCartney believes that raising awareness and providing information to consumers about the harmful effects of animal products in fashion is crucial for building a more sustainable future for the industry.