The state of Oregon proposed a bill in January 2023 that would ban the sale of kangaroo products. The bill failed to pass, but Nike and PUMA’s decision to stop using kangaroo leather is a victory for animal protection groups who advocate the concept of “Kangaroos Are Not Shoes.”
The sporting goods industry has previously favored kangaroo leather because it is lighter and more durable than other animal leathers. However, the decision by Nike and PUMA will have a significant impact on kangaroo leather processing factories in Australia. Some factories have even said that they are preparing to close down.
The kangaroo industry argues that using kangaroo leather does not harm the kangaroo population, as hunters only shoot adult kangaroos and do not kill juveniles. They also claim that the kangaroo population in Australia is overpopulated, and even directly endangers crop harvesting. Therefore, most farmers choose to hunt kangaroos.
The Australian Kangaroo Industry Association (KIAA) claims that the kangaroo industry is more sustainable than raising cattle, sheep, and other livestock. The carbon footprint of producing kangaroo leather and related products is only 1/3 of the production of cowhide and sheepskin products, and kangaroo leather emits less methane and requires less water during processing. Additionally, products made of kangaroo skin are durable, making them more environmentally friendly.
While Nike and PUMA’s decision to stop using kangaroo leather is a victory for animal protection groups, it will have a significant impact on the kangaroo fur industry. The Australian government and the kangaroo industry are urging American lawmakers and companies to respect the opinions of domestic ecological experts in Australia when making decisions that affect the country’s environment.
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