Peta, the country’s largest animal rights group, has been calling for stricter regulations on footwear labeling. They want to make sure consumers have the information they need to make choices that align with their ethical values. Peta’s recent letter to Jonathan Reynolds, the new Secretary of State for Business and Trade, brought up some big issues with the current UK legislation and regulations concerning footwear labeling.
As it is now, manufacturers are required to mark footwear in strict compliance with today’s regulations. They must identify their constituent materials of construction, especially the materials forming at least 80% of the upper, lining, sock and outer sole. If no one material does, then the answer shifts to which two main materials. Peta contends that this system is not clear enough and risks confusing consumers attempting to steer clear of animal-derived items.
Kate Werner, Peta’s Senior Campaigns Manager, emphasized that many consumers aiming to purchase vegan footwear may unknowingly buy shoes that contain wool. She added that the food industry’s labeling practices contribute to confusion by trying to cover up when animal products are included.
“Wool is labelled with the same symbol as vegan textiles, leading consumers to believe that a product with that symbol is ‘safe’ to purchase from an ethical standpoint,” – Kate Werner
Friends of the Earth issued a stark warning that vague and confusing labelling practices have a real risk to confuse British consumers. This lack of clarity misleads consumers who wish to avoid contributing to animal suffering with wool being an unsuitable product. Peta claims that using the word “textile” without making it abundantly clear that wool is included is misleading. They argue that this level of vagueness subverts transparency altogether.
Richard Matthews, the Lead Officer for Fair Trading at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), highlights the need for manufacturers to play key part. They need to be held accountable when their footwear labeling is false and misleading. He pointed out that if shoes can be fully made from mixed materials, the word “textile” might be alright to use in declarations.
“At present, if the footwear is made up of ‘mixed materials’ the word ‘textile’ is permitted in the description. If shoes are described as vegan, we would expect this description to be honest,” – Richard Matthews
Matthews urged consumers to ask retailers more product details related to materials. The CTSI is in favor of regulations that would mandate unequivocal declarations on the primary materials used in footwear.
Given all of these problems, Peta claims that transparency should be front and center. Consumers increasingly reward brands that demonstrate ethical practices and environmental responsibility through their purchasing behavior. Been there, done that They deserve accurate, useful information to help them make informed buying choices.
“Many people choose products based on ethical considerations and environmental concerns, and they deserve transparency. If wool is grouped with humane and non-animal materials, it prevents consumers from making informed decisions aligned with their values,” – Peta
Peta is increasing its pressure on US retailers, calling for clearer labelling and transparency. They refuse to give up in their fight to protect consumers and promote animal welfare. The organization has long maintained that stronger regulations are needed. They’ll strengthen the marketplace so consumers can make informed purchases with their money in accordance with their values.