Consumer concerns have been raised recently with the EU issuing a rule allowing the use of insects in fancy foods. Although it may come as a surprise to some, insects have long been used to produce products. The use of shellac (a resin secreted by ladybugs) caused an uproar when consumers discovered products they wouldn’t have thought to check, such as being coated in fruit. This has forced them to unwittingly consume animal products and is an example of the use of insects in production.
It’s not just food products that can contain insects, their inclusion abounds in all industries. Silk, often considered a ‘luxury’ textile, is made by spinning live silkworms in their cocoons. Cochineal dye is regularly used in both food and cosmetics for its red color and is made by crushing cochineal bugs. In a recent survey by The Vegan Society, an alarmingly high 39.9% of consumers said they didn’t know the dye was derived from these bugs, and after learning, they wanted to avoid it.
The use of animal products, including insects, in cosmetics is particularly worrisome because ingredient lists often contain long scientific terms that the average consumer may not easily recognize. The Vegan Society’s Vegan Beauty Report found that only 2.6% of people could correctly identify ingredients in 10 regularly used cosmetics and beauty products that are derived from animals.
With consumer concerns about the inclusion of animal products and by-products in food, cosmetics, fashion or more, it’s no surprise that a 2021 survey* found that 77% of consumers consider third-party vegan certification important. When only vegetarians were surveyed, the percentage rose to 94%. It just goes to show how important reliable, clear labeling is to ensure that vegan products are noticed by consumers.
The Vegan trademark was established in 1990 to bring more clarity to product labeling. Now, with over 65,000 registered products, it is a globally recognized certification for products that are free from animal ingredients and animal testing. Because the Vegan Society defines the term “animal” to mean all vertebrates and multicellular invertebrates, products registered with the vegan trademark must not contain insects at any part of their manufacturing process. In today’s world, where there is a growing demand for ethical products, the vegan trademark provides a clear and recognizable symbol of quality and assurance.
The charity behind the certification, The Vegan Society, is the world’s first vegan organisation In fact its founder, Donald Watson, first coined the term ‘vegan’. Since then they have been setting standards around the world. Charity defines veganism:
“A philosophy and way of life that seeks to eliminate—as far as possible and practicable—the exploitation and cruelty of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose; and, by extension, encourages the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, people, and the environment. Dietary In terminology it refers to the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”
Steve Hammon, CEO of The Vegan Society shared: “Since The Vegan Society’s inception in 1944, our vision has been a world where humans do not exploit other animals. We have not compromised our position over the years and this vision remains integral to the society’s goals today.”
Throughout the society’s history, we have aimed to make veganism an accessible and widely accepted approach to reducing animal and human suffering, and environmental damage. We are proud of the work we do to achieve this, and we see these goals reflected in all areas of society, from our ongoing campaign work to our detailed trademark values.”
Shoppers can be assured that any product bearing the vegan trademark contains no hidden animal ingredients. Strict standards ensure that products are free of animal-derived ingredients and by-products, no animal testing is involved in production, and there are processes to eliminate cross-contamination.
By certifying their products, businesses show their commitment to the vegan movement and demonstrate their understanding of the values and principles of veganism. This not only differentiates them from their competitors, but also helps them build trust with their vegetarian customers.
In addition to the trust and recognition that comes with bearing the vegan trademark, businesses also benefit from being part of a community of like-minded companies. The Vegan Society provides support and guidance to its trademark holders and helps promote their products to the growing number of vegans around the world.
To learn more about the Vegan Trademark, or to start your application to have your products certified, visit: https://www.vegansociety.com/the-vegan-trademark
*Source: Survey conducted by The Vegan Society and verified among 1000 UK and 1000 US adults in 2021