Veganism is becoming ever-popular in the UK and not just in terms of food; there is a growing number of consumers looking for vegan alternatives in other areas of their lives, including fashion.

Subsequently, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has issued new guidelines to help fashion retailers sell vegan products with confidence.

The BRC, together with its members, has created the ‘Voluntary Guideline on Veganism in Fashion’ for retailers and brands.

The guidelines help explain factors such as classing a product as vegan, which is a very complex process. For instance, it not only rules out using leather and wool but also many types of glue, dyes and traces of use in more hidden elements.

Retailers, therefore, need to go back to their suppliers and ask the right questions about the raw material ingredients in order to verify them individually.

The guide covers a sequence of steps and questions to ask; both internally and of suppliers to ensure materials are vegan. Plus, it highlights the risk areas. It also includes a comprehensive list of all animal-derived fibres and materials.

Click here to view BRC’s Voluntary Guideline on Veganism in Fashion.