In modern times, consumers are beginning to demand more from companies and their products with regards to how they are made and how they affect the environment. More specifically, consumers are even being more picky with the brands and products that they choose to purchase depending on whether they display the cruelty-free logo. Not sure what the cruelty-free logo means? Keep reading to find out more about whether anyone can use the cruelty free logo and how brands acquire the logo.
So, can anyone use the cruelty-free logo? To display the official cruetlty-free logo, companies must ensure they do not test on animals at any part of production, their suppliers do not test any products on animals, they do not sell to countries that require animal testing and their parent company does not test on animals.
Keep reading to find out more about companies using cruelty free logos , animal testing and what Peta Cruelty Free means with regards to products.
Can Anyone Use the Cruelty Free Logo?
Cruelty-Free International is the gold standard for certifying brands as cruelty-free and are widely recognised for their logo being on genuine cruelty-free products in the household and cleaning product market as well as cosmetic and personal care product market. However, for the official cruelty-free logo from Cruelty Free International to be used on a product, there are specific criteria that must be met by the company wishing to display the logo: and we have detailed this below.
- The company in question must not conduct animal testing at any point during the production of their products.
- The company in question must not source their materials from third party suppliers that test their products on animals.
- The company in question must not use 3rd parties to test products on animals on their behalf.
- The company in question must not sell their products to countries that specifically require animal testing ( e.g. Mainland China and some parts of Russia).
- The company in question is not owned by a parent company who tests their products on animals.
However, the use of a cruelty-free logo can be quite misleading to consumers due there being an array of fake cruelty-free logos available online. Unfortunately, anyone can display these logos which may trick consumers into believing that they are purchasing a cruelty-free product despite that not being the case. It is also interesting to note that some companies may actually be genuinely cruelty-free but not aware that they are t using a fake logo. Therefore if you recognise a company is using a fake logo, it may be worth doing a little research into them to double check.
How Do Brands Acquire the Cruelty Free Logo?
In order to acquire the official Cruelty- Free logo brands must apply via the Cruelty Free International Website and follow the vigorous application process and to maintain the use of the cruelty free logo, the brand must demonstrate ongoing commitment to the criteria that was previously mentioned. Below we have detailed the five steps that each brand will have to pass before they can begin displaying the logo.
Step 1: Complete the Online Form
The first step brands must take in acquiring the cruelty free logo is to express their interest by filling in the online application form. In response to the application form, the brand will be sent a more detailed explanation of the criteria just to ensure that they can meet the criteria.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
After receiving the criteria, if the brand confirms that they wish to go ahead with the application, they will be required to pay an application fee to get the ball rolling and will then be appointed a point of contact to which they can ask any questions.
Step 3: Audit the Supply Chain
The next step involved the brand completing a full audit of their supply chain process with regards to animal testing in line with the Cruelty Free International criteria. This can involve setting up supplier monitoring criteria to ensure that suppliers are adhering to the regulations. Once this is done, the brand can submit their completed application.
Step 4: Review of Application
The brand’s application will be reviewed to assess whether it meets the vigorous criteria and it will either be approved or rejected. If rejected, the brand will be sent some detailed feedback on how they need to improve their supply chain in order to meet the criteria for the cruelty-free logo application.
Step 5: Application Approval
Once a brand has matched the criteria and been approved they will be sent the correct cruelty free logo files to distribute across their products and a launch date will be agreed upon for when they can publicly use the logo.
What Does PETA Cruelty-Free Mean?
Despite being a gold standard regulator for cruelty-free products, Cruelty Free International is not the only reputable regulatory body on the market. PETA Cruelty- Free is a UK charity that dedicates their time to protecting the rights of animals. In doing so, PETA has created a PETA certification whereby brands can use their logo to display their dedication to animal rights.
PETA has collated a list of brands and companies that have signed up to their certification in order to help the public understand which are cruelty-free. In order to register for this list, companies must sign PETA’s statement of assurance whereby companies agree to no conduct or commission any animal tests on ingredients, formulations, or finished products, and continue to do so in the future.
What Type of Products are Tested on Animals?
The main types of products that tend to be tested on animals are cosmetic and beauty products in order to test their overall effectiveness and safety towards humans. Research has found that out of the top 50 cosmetic companies based on market value, 88% of them fund testing on animals therefore, knowing what to look for in terms of cruelty-free logos is key to helping tackle this issue.
Other products that tend to be tested on animals include household cleaners, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. These types of products are used on such a large scale that effect of animal testing is catastrophic. Taking an active stand to choose products that have the Cruelty Free logo or PETA logo is one way that you can help to reduce issues such as animal testing.
Cruelty Free Products at Buy Britain
Buy Britain is the largest shoppable marketplace for British-made products , connecting you with amazing businesses from around the country. Buy Britain has a section of health and beauty products that are cruelty-free including hand and foot care products, natural soaps products, and even self care gift sets.
For more information about Buy Britain’s products click here.
