Levi's is known around the world for being the original blue-jeans brand – but what many of its customers don't realise is that cows are suffering for the leather patches sewn onto the backs of its jeans. The company's animal welfare policy claims to "ensure … [animals'] health and welfare is protected" in its supply chain – but this is impossible, since cruelty to animals is inherent in the leather industry.
The brand also fails to reveal the source of its leather. Instead, it simply claims that production should follow the industry "best practices" outlined in the "Five Freedoms" for animal welfare. This includes animals' freedom from discomfort, fear and distress, hunger and thirst, and pain, injury, and disease as well as their freedom to express normal behaviour.
Investigations shared by PETA have repeatedly shown that the leather industry subjects animals to intensive confinement inside filthy cages or pens; castration, branding, and tail-docking without pain relief; chronic infections and disease caused by extreme crowding; and a terrifying trip to the abattoir.
The leather industry never gives animals the freedom they deserve.
Levi's also claims to be big on sustainability, proudly sharing its "forward-thinking" manufacturing process and initiatives to protect the environment. Yet animal-derived leather has at least three times the negative environmental impact that most vegan leather has.
Take Action Now
Let Levi's know that it must replace the animal skins it uses with vegan leather immediately if it truly wishes to live by its values and protect the planet.