29 Apr What does certified vegan mean?

The world is becoming increasingly more vegan – and with good reason. As concerns about the climate crisis become ever more alarming, there’s never been a better time to get on board and join the vegan revolution. Increased awareness of animal cruelty, health and environmental benefit is driving the trend for veganism and vegan products. Going forward, 92% of retailers expect sales in responsible and sustainable products to increase over the next five years. If a product is certified as vegan, it should mean that no element of that product is derived from animals in any way and that it has not been tested on animals.

You can’t really go anywhere now without seeing vegan products heavily marketed. And it’s easier than ever to omit animal products from not only your diet, but your beauty products – and now your labels too! There are vegan options everywhere with all the big players like McDonalds, Burger King, Morrisons and Tesco offering a plethora of choice for vegans. Harrods, Superdrug and Volkswagen UK are amongst the big names who took part in the Veganuary ‘workplace challenge’ for the first time this year.

With more than 50,000 products now certified by the Vegan Society, there’s a wide variety of treats arriving on supermarket shelves and menus all over the UK. Perhaps the most anticipated launches are to be found in the cheese aisle. So many people like veganism as an idea, but just can’t live without their precious cheese! And let’s face it, until now, vegan cheese has been a poor replacement taste wise! But with companies investing thousands in improving their vegan products – there are now a number of very likeable alternatives! A vegan Babybel, made from coconut oil and starch and wrapped in green rather than the brand’s trademark red wax, has made its debut. There’s also an almond- and oat-based Philadelphia spread.

42 companies in the UK signed up to the workplace challenge in 2022, including Marks & Spencer, the professional services firms PwC and EY, and the insurer Hastings Direct.

Cian O’Brien is the director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK. He stated that the company was focused on becoming more sustainable, and that goes beyond its work on electrification. He said, “Sustainability is broader and the opportunity to make a personal contribution through changing our habits has to be explored.”

Veganuary surpassed a phenomenal 2 million participants in 2022, so clearly demand is high and we’re serving that demand with our new range of vegan labels.

Our new selection of Vegan Certified labels contain:

* No animal origin

* No animal GMO

* Have not been tested on animals

All elements of the labels are now certified. Previously only the label facestock was covered, but the certification on these new products covers the label face, backing paper and adhesive. We also print using vegan inks and, for a more decorative look, vegan foils. Until recently, labelling solutions only considered the facestock to be free of substances derived from animal origin. Animal testing and the use of animal GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) was not considered, neither was the adhesive or backing liner.

With a new range of fully Certified Vegan labels, you can help strengthen your brand’s sourcing story and also achieve your sustainability commitments.

Our labels are certified by Expertise Vegan Europe (EVE Vegan), an international control and labelling body dedicated to vegan products, vegan farming and vegan services. The materials include general purpose papers as well as more decorative textured papers. There are also different adhesives ranging from standard permanent to high tack for the labelling of moist or rough surfaces.

Give us a call at RGS Labels today if you’d like to discuss your vegan labelling options. We can’t wait to hear from you!