Sept. 24 (UPI) -- French luxury group Kerig -- which owns brands Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga -- announced on Friday that it's banning the use of animal fur across all companies beginning next year.
Kerig said the ban will take effect in time for its fall 2022 collection.
Kerig said its brands, which have occasionally used fur in their products, will opt for more environmentally friendly alternatives. Some, like Gucci, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen, have already stopped using fur.
"For many years, Kering has sought to take the lead in sustainability, guided by a vision of luxury that is inseparable from the very highest environmental and social values and standards," Kerig CEO Francois-Henri Pinault said in a statement.
"The time has now come to take a further step forward by ending the use of fur in all our collections. The world has changed, along with our clients, and luxury naturally needs to adapt to that."
Kerig set animal welfare standards concerning animal fibers and materials two years ago.
Many apparel makers have changed their policies on fur in recent years due to concerns about animal cruelty.