Franco-Chinese faux-fur specialist, Ecopel, has announced that it has become a shareholder in Silmatex, furthering its commitment to promote it's 'Made in Europe' production strategy.

The Spanish fake fur company, which has been in business since 2009, joins French firm Peltex as an Ecopel partner, forming a triumvirate of European-based manufacturers.

Ecopel CEO, Christopher Sarfati, said that they’re delighted to be working with Silmatex. It is critical for them to support the remaining faux fur producers in Europe.

Sarfati added that they need to conserve the special know-how of this attractive, ethical material that the fashion world is so fond of.

Ecopel stated that it intends to raise its share of fake fur production outside of China from 3% to 20% in the coming years.

It also stated that it is in talks to purchase family-owned fake fur mills in Italy in order to broaden its reach.

Silmatex and Ecopel previously partnered on the Umi collection, which launched last year, with a second collection in the works.