Animal rights activists PETA have called on British paint manufacturer Farrow & Ball to reconsider some of its most iconic paint names in a bid to make the brand more “vegan-friendly.”
The animal rights organization argues that names such as “Dead Salmon” normalize the exploitation of animals and are inconsistent with the growing consumer trend towards ethical and sustainable products.
In a letter to Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball’s colour curator, PETA’s vice-president of corporate projects, Yvonne Taylor, suggested alternative names such as “Magic Mushroom” to replace “Dead Salmon.”
The activists began their letter by claiming they “love” that all the Farrow & Ball paints are “cruelty-free and that most are vegan”.
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The letter emphasized the group’s concern that the current naming conventions might not align with the values of consumers who are increasingly mindful of animal welfare.
Taylor went on to describe how “most salmon and trout” in the UK were raised on “filthy factory farms” and often killed using “painful methods such as bludgeoning” or having their gills cut “without stunning”.
Farrow & Ball, known for its distinctive paint names and high-end products, has yet to respond to PETA’s suggestions. The brand, established in 1946, is recognized for its original and sometimes eccentric paint names, which contribute to its unique market identity.
The animal rights group’s push for change comes amidst a series of high-profile campaigns, including protests against the use of animal products in various industries.