The Vegan Society has been a pioneer in setting international vegan standards ever since we coined the term ‘vegan’ in 1944. One of our most significant contributions to the vegan movement is the creation of the Vegan Trademark, which has become a trusted symbol for consumers worldwide.
The first reference to the trademark appeared in 1986 when advice was sought from solicitors on registering a trademark for the society. A cosmetics company, known as Crescent, had also contacted the society, looking to support its aims by selling products with its approval.
The Vegan Trademark as we know it today was officially announced in a media release in February 1990. Natural cleaning product company BioD was among the first five trademark holders to register products under the iconic sunflower logo and remains a loyal client today. Now with almost 70,000 products certified, the Vegan Trademark represents an extensive range of industries and offers businesses a significant advantage in today's diverse vegan market. Whether it's cosmetics, food, fashion, or even innovative items like vegan violins and sex toys, the Vegan Trademark ensures that products meet strict vegan standards. Current Vegan Trademark holders include: ASDA; Burger King; The Body Shop; Lush; New Look; Quorn and Stella McCartney Beauty – to name just a few!
The Need for Clear Labelling
Despite the increasing popularity of vegan products, there is confusion around terms like "vegan," "plant-based," and "cruelty-free." The misunderstandings around these terms has led to misconceptions among manufacturers, brands and consumers. Some companies may unintentionally mislabel products as vegan due to misunderstandings about the definition or lack of awareness about the full supply chain, including animal testing or the use of animal-derived ingredients. This can have a huge impact on consumers unwittingly buying products that do not meet their beliefs and damage a brand's reputation. This confusion and ambiguity is where the Vegan Trademark plays a vital role, providing clear and reliable verification that products are genuinely vegan.
The Vegan Trademark ensures that all certified products adhere to The Vegan Society's rigorous standards, covering both ingredients and production processes. You can find our full standards on our website here.
Beyond Certification
As an educational charity, The Vegan Society is funded largely by its trading subsidiary, which includes our VEG 1 multi-vitamin and Vegan Trademark certification. The surplus of the trading arm, along with donations and contributions from our members and supporters, helps to fund our charitable work. From educating the public on the benefits of veganism, to working with in-house Dietitians to provide advice and recipes, to providing grants to grassroot vegan organisations across the world and undertaking detailed research into the vegan industry, the charity works towards making veganism mainstream. By certifying products with the Vegan Trademark, brands are supporting The Vegan Society's mission and adding to their own company's corporate social responsibility goals.
The Vegan Trademark goes beyond certification. It is one of the most impactful ways we work towards making veganism more accessible to everyone, helping brands deliver more vegan products to the mainstream and ensuring consumers can easily find them. Vegan Trademark Holders benefit from more than just a label when they certify their products. The Vegan Society offers promotional opportunities, networking events and marketing support. By working with The Vegan Society, brands gain access to a broader audience and can leverage the trademark to enhance their visibility and credibility.
In a world where consumers increasingly prioritise ethical and sustainable choices, the Vegan Trademark offers businesses a competitive edge. By certifying products with The Vegan Society, brands not only meet the growing demand for transparency but also gain the trust of a diverse and expanding customer base. As the vegan movement continues to grow, the Vegan Trademark remains a beacon of integrity in helping veganism become more accessible to all.
The Certification Process
The Vegan Society’s team of experts works closely with manufacturers and suppliers across various industries to ensure that each product meets the highest vegan standards. The application process requires documentation, such as technical datasheets, to demonstrate compliance with these standards. This rigorous approach ensures that the Vegan Trademark remains a symbol of trust and integrity.
For those interested in learning more about the certification process or starting an application, contact The Vegan Society via email at TMsales[at]vegansociety[dot]com or visit our Vegan Trademark homepage.
The views expressed by our bloggers are not necessarily the views of The Vegan Society.
