‘Cruelty-free’ accolade for Co-op

THE Co-operative Group has become the first retailer to be awarded the British Union for the Abolition of Vivesection&#039s new cruelty-free standard for household products.

The BUAV&#039&#039s new Humane Household Products Standard is the world&#039s only reliable and international standard for household products that are not tested on animals.

The Co-op has one of the most stringent policies on animal testing of any retailer and guarantees that none of its own-label household products or ingredients have been tested on animals by the Co-op or its suppliers since 1997.

Co-op cosmetics and toiletry products already carry the BUAV Humane Cosmetics Standard `bunny` logo and the Co-op, which was one of the first to commit to the independent cruelty-free criteria, is backing national Cruelty-Free Week (Monday 5 July to Sunday 11 July) as part of its commitment.

Lauren Bates, corporate relations manager at the BUAV, commented: `As the first supermarket own-label brand to be approved under the BUAV&#039s Humane Household Products Standard, the Co-op has shown that it is possible to provide a wide range of quality, effective and safe household products without the need for animal testing.`

Adrian Hill, policy and standards manager for Co-op brand, said: `Being the first supermarket to be accredited under the Humane Household Products Standard represents a significant achievement and reinforces our commitment to responsible retailing. The Co-op will continue to campaign on animal welfare issues and seek ways to reduce the amount of unnecessary animal testing carried out.`

To draw attention to the issues and highlight National Cruelty-Free Week, the Co-op has produced special in-store point-of-sale material simply stating `There&#039s no animal testing on Co-op brand household products and toiletries – it&#039s how it should be.`

In addition, it is running a `BOGOF` (buy one, get one free) promotion on several Co-op household products and toiletries, as well as special offers on a number of own-label products carrying the cruelty-free symbol.