Vegan Society

The Vegan Society's Vegan Trademark is an internationally recognized certification for vegan products. Unlike some certifications that focus on companies, this one registers individual products. It ensures that products contain no animal-derived ingredients, by-products, or derivatives and that neither the product nor its ingredients have been tested on animals. The certification also works closely with a company's manufacturers and supply chain to ensure compliance, including measures to prevent cross-contamination.

Key Features

• Certifies individual products, allowing brands with both vegan and non-vegan options to participate
• The development and/or production of GMOs must not have involved animal genes or animal-derived substances.
• Works with manufacturers and the supply chain to scrutinize individual ingredients and processes

Trustworthiness

To get certified, companies must provide signed written statements from manufacturers proving they meet the Vegan Society's criteria. However, it's not clear whether the Vegan Society conducts or commissions independent audits, particularly for cosmetics and household cleaning products, which may leave some room for questioning the certification's thoroughness.

Duration and Renewal

The Vegan Trademark is renewed annually, ensuring that all certified products continue to meet the society's standards. Companies must provide updated written statements from manufacturers as part of the renewal process.

Impact and Significance

The Vegan Trademark allows consumers to easily identify vegan products, contributing to more ethical and conscious consumer choices. It also encourages non-vegan brands to introduce vegan-friendly products into their ranges, thereby promoting a broader societal shift toward veganism. However, the lack of clarity regarding independent audits might be a concern for some consumers.