Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Eco-Luxury Fur™ the world's most eco-friendly fur?

Eco-Luxury Fur™ is the world's most eco-friendly because New Zealand's non-native Paihamu are destroying its delicate ecological balance to the degree that native species of flora and fauna (plants and animals) that are found nowhere else in the world are in danger of extinction. Also, the 70 million Paihamu are a vector for bovine TB, eat over 20,000 tons of vegetation nightly and now occupy 99% of New Zealand. The government's only other solution is to drop large amounts of poison over vast areas of countryside. This poison has been banned from US federal lands since 1972 and many New Zealanders are concerned about long term consequences to the land and waterways caused by the repeated aerial dropping of this chemical. The best source of leather and fur is an animal that requires abatement. Further, this fur is recyclable, durable, renewable and biodegradable. More information is found in the Ecological Profile section of this website.

 

Is this fur farmed?
No. It is illegal to farm these animals in New Zealand. Practically speaking, there is no interest either. At a population of 70 million, there is plenty available in the wild.

Are these made in New Zealand? Yes. The furs are collected in New Zealand, processed in New Zealand and all production occurs in New Zealand. Then they are shipped to Eco-Luxury Fur™.

Do you sell wholesale to designers, stores and catalogues?
Yes. Upon provision of a tax ID number, wholesalers can apply through the website for a wholesaler code. Minimum wholesale order is five pieces (exclusive of pillow inserts).

How is each throw or pillow made?
For one large throw to be made, hundreds of hides are sorted for quality, color and consistency. Each throw and pillow is backed with a velvet chamois material. This backing is selected to compliment the fur in color and for long wear and durability. Each pillow and throw is hand made, adding to the uniqueness of this product.

Can I order a throw in a size not listed on your website?
Yes. A throw can be made in any size and any color. Please contact to discuss pricing.

How do I care for these throws and pillows?
Because this is a fur, it is quite resilient. Spot or dry cleaning works well. If the fur becomes wet, dry it slowly so the leather does not shrink. Brush with a soft, baby brush occasionally.

Is this fur hypoallergenic?
It is believed that this fur is hypoallergenic. The meat of the Paihamu is canned and sold as hypoallergenic dog food in Asia and Oceania. (Interestingly, it is also an aphrodisiac in some countries.) Practically speaking, these animals feast on some pretty wonderful and pure fare in lovely New Zealand, so it is hard to imagine a more hypoallergenic environment.

What retail stores carry these furs?

Currently, the throws and pillows are available at Cielo in the Pearl, Portland Oregon, Norsk Leather & Fur in Park City, Utah and Charles Stuhlberg Interiors in Sun Valley/Ketchum, Idaho.

Are the products bleached or dyed?

None of the products available in inventory are bleached or dyed. There is an irony in adding chemicals to a natural and lovely product.

Are the animals humanely killed?

Yes. New Zealanders are ardent in their commitment to humane collection methods. The vast majority of Paihamu are killed using cyanide laced bait and they die within 10 seconds. A smaller number are trapped in humane traps or hunted. Although not an easy topic, there are few alternatives for ridding New Zealand of this pest. Birth control chemicals are years, possibly a decade or longer, from development. Many conservationists see collection and marketing of the Paihamu through these methods as more preferable than the process of dropping 1080 laced cereal pellets over vast acres of forest land to untold consequences to the land and water. The option of doing nothing and ignoring the problem could have devastating consequences to the ecological balance in New Zealand.

Will my purchase really make a difference?

Yes, in two ways. The first is that you will support the market for procuring Paihamu using humane methods. The larger, more macro part of Eco-Luxury Fur’s mission is to demonstrate to the government that there is a viable alternative to killing the Paihamu with 1080 and not using the animal for its fur, leather or meat. If there is enough of a market response, perhaps then the government will be motivated to spend its eradication funds on assisting with marketing the fur rather than using 1080.

I understand the issues, but cannot afford a fur pillow or throw. What other options are there?

This is what things cost when fair wage is paid for hand made products. Although more expensive than faux fur which is not eco-friendly and petroleum based, these are cheaper than other real fur products. An alternative to the luxury products is to buy products made with a Paihamu/wool combination. We’ll be seeing more of that in the US soon. Paihamu fur has some amazing qualities and they have found a way to spin it with wool to make soft, gorgeous apparel. Untouched World is at the forefront of this effort and recently received a UN sustainability label in part for its utilization of Paihamu fur. This sure beats loading up our closets and then our landfills with clothing that is petroleum based and made with toxic dyes.