A total of 57% of UK consumers see animal welfare as an important ethical consideration when buying products, a considerable increase from 48% a year ago. That’s the finding of a new Ipsos-MORI poll1 commissioned for the RSPCA, which also found people considered human rights (55%) and protecting the environment (55%) to be important factors. The poll also found 80% of people agreeing that for society to be truly civilised animal welfare must be a key priority.
The RSPCA is now calling on “forward thinking companies” to enter this year’s RSPCA Good Business Awards, designed to recognise ethical business approaches to animal welfare in beauty, fashion and food.
“Cosmetics companies are well aware of the growing consumer demand for cruelty-free products, and most are already including animal welfare in their ethical business policies,” comments David Bowles, RSPCA head of external affairs. “In the fourth year of the Good Business Awards, we want to acknowledge and promote those companies – both large and small – that go the extra mile to promote animal welfare to the very top of their policy agendas.”
Entrants will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts on the basis of the following practices:
● Testing of cosmetics products on animals
● Testing of cosmetics product ingredients on animals
● Providing clear and informative product labelling
● Commitment to replacing animal testing with alternative testing methods
● Company aspirations regarding animal welfare
To promote their achievement, winners will be able to use the RSPCA Good Business Awards logo to use on relevant products and in promotions for a year. They will also be promoted on the RSPCA website and achievements detailed in an ethical consumer guide. As sponsor of the cosmetics award they will also receive coverage in SPC magazine and on www.cosmeticsbusiness.com.
Last year’s winner was Lush for its overall commitment to animal welfare and promotion of alternatives to animal testing, while M&S was awarded for being the most progressive company of the year after implementing a cruelty-free policy across its cosmetics range.
To apply, download questionnaires at www.rspcagoodbusinessawards.com
David Bowles will be speaking at Beauty Focus 2008, organised in conjunction with SPC & ECM magazines (12-13 May). www.cosmeticsbusiness.com/beautyfocus