Eco-cleaning product manufacturer discusses impact of cruelty-free approval with CEO of Cruelty Free International

Two thought leaders have sat down to discuss the impact of cruelty-free approval on the household sector and manufacturing industry, encouraging other companies to join them in the fight against animal testing.

Heather Nixon, sustainability, NPD and regulatory manager at eco-cleaning product manufacturer Bio-D, sat down with Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International to share their thoughts on the future of cruelty-free, alongside issues associated with being a cruelty-free manufacturer.

The discussion included thoughts on global challenges in the fight against animal testing, changing consumer views, and the importance of independent verification.

Bio D, the UK’s leading manufacturer of environmentally and ethically sound, vegan cleaning products, is celebrating 18 years of Cruelty Free International approval this month.

Challenges in the fight to end animal testing around the world.

When discussing Cruelty Free International’s challenges in the fight to end animal testing around the world, Michelle said that whilst there has been a lot of good progress made, there is still more to be done

She said: “There has been change across Europe, and more and more countries are ending animal testing. But there is still low awareness around how household products are tested on animals. Some regulators even still demand that animal testing takes place before a product is put on the market.

“This is something we’re still working on, getting that message out to consumers that you should shop with great brands, like Bio-D, that share our messaging, and something we’re taking all the way to the UN.” 

A shift in consumer behaviour

Both women were hopeful for the future, with Heather sharing how consumer behaviour has shifted in recent years. 

She said: “More companies are adding eco badges to their products, and it’s great that consumers are now looking for third party approval to verify that the products they’re buying really are what they say they are - it gives customers reassurance.

“We’ve known customers to say they have actually switched brands because of the reassurance that Cruelty Free International approval gives, so its hugely important and I can only see that increasing as time goes on.”

The importance of independent approval

Heather also highlighted the importance of external, independent approval from a trusted body such as Cruelty Free International, and how it proves a company is doing what it says it is. 

She continued: “The independent audit carried out by the organisation is more important than ever in today’s world of greenwashing. Despite it not always being an easy process, companies need to open themselves up if they want to demonstrate their commitment to cruelty-free business.

“It takes time and commitment, and that takes investment from the company. So, a company has to have that belief in the approval programme, it has to have that passion and the conviction that it’s doing the right thing.

“There are probably ingredients that we could get in that are a lot cheaper but have been tested on animals, it’s about maintaining that criteria rather than making a few extra pounds – the cruelty-free approval comes first to us.”

With every new product or ingredient, Bio-D asks suppliers to complete a Cruelty Free International declaration before any other part of the process, such as pricing or trials, are discussed.

Michelle continued to praise the company for its ethical commitments and said the anniversary donations would directly help the organisation’s global campaign. 

Michelle said: “Bio-D is one of our longest standing supporters, one of the companies that’s been with us the longest. Bio-D is supporting us to take our mission to the world. We won’t rest until every company has done what Bio-D does.”

Cruelty Free International is a leading organisation working to end animal experiments worldwide. Its aims include educating the public on protecting animals and championing cruelty-free living.

For more information on Bio-D, visit: www.biod.co.uk.

For more information on Cruelty Free International, visit: https://crueltyfreeinternational.org/