Adidas has decided to stop using kangaroo leather, following a personal appeal made by Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy, during the company’s recent annual meeting in Germany.

In response, Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden confirmed that the brand had already ended its involvement in the kangaroo leather trade several months ago and would not make any future purchases.

This announcement marks the latest success of the “Kangaroos Are Not Shoes” campaign, led by the Center for a Humane Economy. Major sportswear brands including Diadora, New Balance, Nike, Puma, and now Adidas, have all pledged to stop sourcing leather made from kangaroos, which are often killed in night hunts that leave young joeys orphaned.

“The widespread killing of kangaroos has been mainly driven by the demand for their skins in international markets,” said Pacelle. “With Adidas now stepping away, the world’s top five sports shoe brands have ended their use of kangaroo leather. We will now focus on urging Japanese brands like ASICS and Mizuno to make the same commitment and bring an end to this trade.”

“Adidas had long been one of the biggest buyers of kangaroo leather from Australia,” added Pacelle. “Their decision to leave this trade is a huge step forward.”