Hermes is a popular French luxury brand known for its exquisite leather goods and accessories. One of its most popular products is the Birkin bag, which is made from high-quality leather, including crocodile skin.
However, there have been speculations and controversies surrounding the brand’s use of crocodile skins and whether they breed their own crocodiles. Let’s delve into this topic and find out the truth.
The controversy
Hermes has been accused of using crocodile skins from farms that are inhumane to animals. Animal rights activists have protested outside Hermes stores, claiming that the brand supports animal cruelty. The issue has gained so much attention that even celebrities like Jane Birkin have asked Hermes to remove her name from the Birkin bag due to these concerns.
Hermes’ response
Hermes has responded to these allegations by stating that they do not support animal cruelty and follow strict ethical guidelines for sourcing materials. They claim to source their crocodile skins from farms that meet international welfare standards and ensure the well-being of the animals.
However, there has been speculation about whether Hermes breeds its own crocodiles for their leather goods.
Do they breed their own crocodiles?
The answer is yes; Hermes breeds their own crocodiles to ensure the quality of their leather goods. In fact, in 2017, Hermes opened a new farm in Australia where they breed saltwater crocodiles specifically for their leather production.
According to Hermes, breeding their own crocodiles allows them to control every aspect of the process from hatching to harvesting. This ensures that they can maintain high standards of animal welfare and produce high-quality leather with unique characteristics.
The process
Breeding crocodiles for leather production involves several steps:
- Selection: The best-quality male and female crocodiles are selected for breeding.
- Incubation: The eggs are incubated in a controlled environment until they hatch.
- Growing: The hatchlings are raised in separate enclosures and fed a specific diet to ensure optimal growth.
- Harvesting: The crocodiles are harvested after reaching a certain size, and their skins are used for leather production.
The verdict
In conclusion, Hermes breeds its own crocodiles to ensure the quality of its leather goods. While there have been allegations of animal cruelty, Hermes claims to follow strict ethical guidelines for sourcing materials.
Breeding their own crocodiles allows them to maintain high standards of animal welfare and produce unique leather with exceptional quality. However, it’s essential to be aware of the source of the products we consume and make an informed decision about our purchases.