The
RSPCA is calling on welfare-conscious fashion companies around the UK to enter this year’s
RSPCA Good Business Awards, which recognise ethical business approaches to animal welfare. The RSPCA Good Business Awards fashion category, in association with Drapers, is looking to reward fashion retailers that can demonstrate excellent policies with regards to fur, leather skins and merino wool.
It is free to enter, and companies can go to rspcagoodbusinessawards.com to download an entry form. The entry deadline is Wednesday 30 June 2010. Last year’s winners for achieving higher standards of animal welfare were: Neon Collective in the small retailer category, George at Asda in the large retailer category and Marks & Spencer for demonstrating an ongoing commitment to change. All entries for the 2010 awards will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts. Winners will be promoted on the RSPCA Good Business Awards website and achievements will be detailed in an ethical consumer guide to choosing higher welfare companies. Entrants this year will be judged on the basis of their practices in the following areas:
- Commitment to not using or selling Karakul lambskin pelts
- Fur-free policies
- Policies against the use and sale of exotic skins
- Policies on the sourcing of merino wool, cashmere and angora
- Sourcing and traceability of leather including cow, sheep or pig hide
- Innovation over the past 12 months in relation to animal welfare
- Company aspirations regarding animal welfare
- Labelling and communicating policies to customers
The RSPCA Good Business Awards evening soiree will be held on Wednesday 6 October. (See DIARYdates)
