As the level of public awareness about animal testing grows, the number of procedures carried out is gradually falling. However, recent data confirms that around 4 million procedures are still taking place on animals each year.
Experimental procedures are carried out on animals for a variety of reasons including medical research and to test chemicals for use in household products and cosmetics. However, the testing of cosmetics and hair products on animals was banned in the UK in 1998 and throughout the EU in 2013.
Unfortunately, many of the companies which sell cosmetic products in the UK still test on animals, they just carry out these procedures abroad in countries such as Japan and China.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of companies who are trying to stand up for animal rights and welfare and make a difference. Below are 5 ways in which the fashion industry is battling the use of animal testing:
- Cruelty-free cosmetics
More and more women are taking a stand against animal testing with as many as 36% now buying their beauty products only from companies which do not test on animals. Many of these companies are now making their cruelty-free stance a key part of their ethos and branding, paving the way for others to follow. There are now more than a dozen ethically produced cruelty-free beauty brands available in the UK.
- Cruelty-free hair products
Similarly, many hair care companies are taking on a leading role in the cruelty-free beauty industry. Many of these companies are not only against animal testing but fully committed to providing products that are created and tested in a cruelty-free way without any use of animal products, making them vegan-friendly as well.
- Leaping Bunny Certification
Cruelty Free International is a programme which awards companies with the Leaping Bunny Certification if they can provide their products are produced using cruelty-free practices and ingredients. The highest standard for beauty, skincare and household products, more and more consumers take this into consideration when making purchases.
In addition, more and more brands within the fashion industry are partnering with Cruelty Free International to gain the certification as a guarantee that gives consumers the peace of mind that their products have been ethically produced.
- Vegan fashion
Vegan fashion is really taking off. Many people not only want their beauty products to be cruelty free, they also want to wear ethically sourced fabrics made from non-animal products. Many brands are taking this so seriously that they are having PETA approve their items.
- Fur Free Fashion Week
In 2018, London became the first city to vow not to allow fur on the runway. This move received huge support from within the fashion industry and the general public, paving the way for brands and other fashion week events to do the same. Only a small minority criticised the decision which shows the growing acceptance of ethical fashion and beauty.
Ann-Marie x
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