M&S has reversed its decision to ban the use of alpaca wool in a move that threatens a backlash with animal rights campaigners.
The high street retailer said it would be allowing the use of alpaca yarn in its clothes after banning the fibre in 2020 following pressure from campaign group Peta, The Telegraph reported.
M&S said at the time an investigation by the animal rights group highlighted “concerns around the welfare of animals that are farmed to produce alpaca [wool]” and as such, was committed to phasing out the material.
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However, it revealed this week it had gone back on its pledge following the launch of the Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS) in supply chains, which said it “gives us the confidence we need to start sourcing this fibre again”.
M&S said the use of this certification, which launched in 2021 as a voluntary programme, “will be the minimum standard for all alpaca fibre in M&S products”.
It added: “We value the quality of this fibre as well as the traditional know-how linked to its production.”
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