UK denim label Monkee Genes goes vegan with limited edition pleather “PETA-approved” label

Renowned UK denim label Monkee Genes, favoured by celebrities such as Jared Leto and One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, is increasing its eco-friendly credibility, by partnering up with animal rights organisation PETA. 

The first and only jeans label to be certified by the Soil Association for organic standards and the Global Organic Textile Standard, has switched from offering leather jean patches to animal-free, recycled, coated cardboard patches. To celebrate the move, Monkee Genes has produced a limited edition patch carrying the PETA-approved logo – just in time for Earth day.

The majority of leather used worldwide comes from India and China, where animal welfare laws are virtually non-existent. Many animals who are killed for their skin endure castration, branding, tail-docking and dehorning; no mercy is shown, no pain killers are administered.  In addition, tanneries are notorious for polluting the surrounding land and water, and tannery workers are often exposed to excessive amounts of deadly chemicals, including arsenic.

With modern technology at its peak, many alternatives to animal skin are now available. Ultraleather (a soft, supple, luxe leather-look fabric) and Dinamica (smooth faux suede), are both animal and eco-friendly, and out-perform the natural product. Indistinguishable from the real thing, they are breathable, waterproof and resistant to cracking and abrasion.

“Monkee Genes is at the head of the pack when it comes to offering products that are as kind to the Earth as they are to animals,” stated PETA UK associate director Mimi Bekhechi. “The PETA-approved vegan logo on the back of the new Monkee Genes jeans will let style-minded, eco-conscious consumers know that no animals were hurt or killed in the production of these chic trousers.”

Rebekah Absalom

Monkee Genes jeans can be purchased here.