(12/10/2001) ‘Natural Fibres Like Fur are Good for the Environment’, says Nationwide Poll

WOOL, SILK, FUR AND LEATHER are considered to be environmentally sound by the majority of people (67%) according to a new nationwide poll commissioned by the British Fur Trade Association (BFTA).

The opinion poll, the second of a tracking survey by Taylor Nelson Sofres plc, revealed that there has been a significant improvement in consumer backing for the use of natural fibres – up 5 percent in 18 months.

"It is not surprising that people increasingly perceive natural fibres as eco-friendly. Fur, as with wool, leather and silk, is a sustainable natural resource," the BFTA said.

The poll also found that 8 out of 10 people support the farming of animals for any purpose provided there is good animal welfare. Only 3% of those interviewed disagreed strongly!

The BFTA said that fur is produced from farmed animals where good animal welfare is an 'absolute imperative'. The survey points to the fact that the overwhelming majority of British people support the farming of animals for any purpose – not just for food!

In other European Union countries similar polls have been carried out. In the Netherlands a nationwide survey published in November 2000 revealed that 71% of the population agreed with the statement ‘it makes in principle no difference for what reason you keep animals as long as you take care of their welfare’. Earlier this year in Finland, 7 out of 10 Finns saw fur farming in conformity with Western moral values.

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Issued by the British Fur Trade Association.
12 October 2001
Press contact – Andrea Martin
e-mail press@britishfur.co.uk

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Notes to editors:

Taylor Nelson Sofres plc carried out a second wave of national opinion research which was commissioned by the British Fur Trade Association on 5-9 September 2001 and, indicated in brackets, a first wave on 23-27 February 2000. The results are based on a representative sample of c.1000 of adults 16+.

Question: Using natural fibres (e.g. wool, silk, fur and leather) is environmentally sound. Agree 67% (62%), Neither agree or disagree 16% (21%), Disagreed 15% (13%), DK 2% (4%)

Question: In principle, I find it acceptable that animals are kept on farms for any purpose, provided there is good animal welfare. Agree 82% (81%), Disagree (of which 3% disagreed strongly) 8% (7%), DK 1% (2%)

Through its international network in more than 50 countries, Taylor Nelson Sofres provides market information services in over 80 countries to national and multi-national organisations. It is ranked as the fourth largest market information group in the world. Further information on Taylor Nelson Sofres is available from the corporate website: www.tnsofres.com