Today, the quality of a product alone is no longer sufficient. Consumers have now become much more sensitive to environmental issues, the protection of animals, and biodiversity. Moreover, thanks to the Internet, animal rights organizations are now able to reach a wider audience. In fact, according to a study carried out by Nielsen, among the 1,000 people that were surveyed, 57% of the participants stated that the “not tested on animals” label was the most important part of the packaging to them.
Since 2013, the European Union (EU) has banned animal testing in the cosmetics industry. However, many of the bigger brands did not follow the organization’s footsteps and had their cosmetic products tested in China or in other countries that had much more flexible legislation instead. The pharmaceutical, cosmetics, perfume, and even the food industry are some of the main sectors that have concerned many with animal testing.
Thus, several major brands have been blacklisted by animal rights associations, leading people to boycott them. On its website, the PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) association has drawn up a list of companies performing animal testing, including brands like Clarins, L’Oreal, Dior, and Dolce Gabbana. The brand image of these companies has thus been significantly tampered with, especially to the younger audience. But these luxury brands are not the only guilty ones. Even food companies like Kikkoman soy sauce company, Kraft Foods, and Group Danone were accused of animal testing to establish health claims, portraying just how lightly businesses regarded this situation.
Due to the heavy backlash, many companies are now finally trying to limit these tests as much as possible and are becoming more aware of the impact. The ban on animal testing in industries like the cosmetics industry, where such testing is not essential, may soon be enforced if more and more people voice their oppositions.
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