Ethics in fashion are more important than ever, say consumers.
While most people are feeling the pinch during these difficult economic times, they haven’t stopped caring about their fellow creatures – of both the human and animal variety!
As the ethical fashion categories of the RSPCA Good Business Awards was launghed in April, companies are finding that being animal welfare-friendly is better for business than it has ever been.
Designer and co-founder of Red or Dead Wayne Hemingway, an RSPCA Good Business Awards fashion judge, said: “It’s no longer acceptable to sell goods without proving their provenance, as shoppers continue to be concerned about the origin of the items they purchase and the production process behind them.”
The UK often leads the way when it comes to animal welfare in the worlds of both food and fashion.
Fashionably ethical
The search is now on for fashion companies that have animal welfare at the heart of their practices. Strong public opposition to the use of fur and calls for better traceability shows that the fashion companies who excelled at last year’s RSPCA Good Business Awards know what consumers want.
Winners included British fashion company Rapanui, which was given the Innovation award for its use of QR codes (a type of bar code) on product labels. Customers can scan the tag using a smart phone to view interactive information about the origins of the raw materials in the garment. At the time judges described the idea as ‘game changing’.
Businesses worthy of the Good Business Award accolade show a commitment to not using fur, exotic skins or karakul lambskin pelts and must have a policy on sourcing merino wool.
Is your business ethical or are you chicken?
In order to mark the launch of the RSPCA’s Good Business Award, up-and-coming sculptor Mark O’Brien caused a flap among Londoners this week when his giant chicken – made entirely out of recycled card – crossed many an iconic road.
The feathered friend was seen spreading the GBA message from Cock Lane to Abbey Road.
Protect your pets with UK Pet insurance from the RSPCA. Get pet insurance quotes online.
Notes to editors
Interviews are available. Please contact the press office on 0300 123 0244 or email press@rspca.org.uk
The RSPCA will only accept applications from fashion companies that:
- Do not use fur
- Do not use Karakul lambskin pelts
- Do not use exotic skins
- Have a policy on sourcing merino wool.
Winners will be promoted on the RSPCA Good Business Awards website and achievements will be detailed in a consumer guide to choosing higher welfare companies.
Contact:
RSPCA Enquiries Service
Wilberforce Way
Southwater, Horsham
West Sussex, UK
Zip: RH13 9RS
Tel: 0300 1234 999
Web: http://www.rspca.org.uk/
