Swire takes a stand against the shipping of donkey skins

The Donkey Sanctuary, a prominent British charity, has recognized Swire Shipping as the first global shipping line to publicly adopt a policy prohibiting the transport of donkey skins. This landmark decision comes amid alarming statistics indicating that approximately 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered annually for their skins, primarily to produce ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine. With China’s domestic donkey population dwindling, the ejiao industry has increasingly turned to international sources to meet its demands.

Impact of Donkey Skin Trade

Marianne Steele, CEO of The Donkey Sanctuary, expressed grave concerns regarding the donkey skin trade, describing it as a “trojan horse” for illegal wildlife trafficking and organized crime. She emphasized that this inhumane and unsustainable practice not only threatens donkey populations but also poses significant risks to global biosecurity and the potential spread of zoonotic diseases. The charity’s advocacy highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices in industries reliant on animal products.

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In response to these pressing issues, Susana Germino, Chief Sustainability and Energy Transition Officer at Swire Shipping, stated that the company’s decision reflects its strong commitment to sustainability. Germino affirmed that the ban on transporting donkey skins ensures that their operations do not contribute to illegal trade or endanger the survival of both wild and domesticated donkeys. This proactive stance by Swire Shipping sets a precedent in the shipping industry, encouraging other companies to consider similar ethical policies in their operations.