The Business Case for Prioritising Animal Welfare in Your Supply Chain
For businesses operating in the 2025 economy, animal welfare is no longer just a moral consideration—it’s a strategic imperative. Supply chains that rely on or impact animals are coming under increased scrutiny from regulators, consumers, investors, and advocacy groups. Companies that proactively address animal welfare are not just doing the right thing—they’re protecting their bottom line.
This post outlines why prioritising animal welfare in your supply chain isn’t just ethically sound, but also commercially smart.
Animal Welfare in Supply Chains: Where the Pressure Is Coming From
The pressure on brands to prioritise animal welfare is intensifying from several directions:
- Consumers demand transparency and cruelty-free practices
- Investors increasingly favour ESG-compliant portfolios
- Regulators are tightening standards around livestock, testing, and trade
- Media and advocacy groups can publicly damage brands tied to poor welfare practices
“If your supply chain touches animals, then animal welfare is part of your brand reputation—whether you admit it or not.”
— RSPCA Good Business Awards Ethical Panel
Key Industries Affected by Animal Welfare Concerns
While all sectors are accountable, these industries face direct exposure:
- Food and Farming – livestock conditions, slaughter practices, transportation
- Fashion and Apparel – use of leather, wool, fur, feathers, exotic skins
- Beauty and Pharmaceuticals – animal testing, ingredient sourcing
- Retail and Supermarkets – brand curation and ethical product offerings
- Tourism and Entertainment – animal attractions, wildlife handling
Commercial Benefits of Prioritising Animal Welfare
1. Brand Trust and Customer Loyalty
Modern consumers are highly values-driven. Prioritising animal welfare can build emotional loyalty that outlasts promotions or pricing advantages.
“Ethical supply chains build consumer trust. And trust drives long-term profitability.”
2. Risk Reduction and Reputation Protection
Businesses that fail to manage welfare risks may suffer:
- Public backlash from undercover investigations
- Lawsuits or penalties under evolving animal protection laws
- Boycotts or bans by ethical retailers and platforms
3. Market Differentiation
As animal-friendly products grow in popularity, having third-party certifications (e.g. RSPCA Assured, Leaping Bunny, Certified Vegan) sets your business apart in a crowded field.
4. Investor Confidence
ESG-conscious investors are increasingly asking:
- Is your supply chain humane?
- Are welfare risks mapped and mitigated?
- Are practices independently verified?
A strong welfare record can improve access to sustainable capital and de-risk investor exposure.
Steps to Improve Animal Welfare in Your Supply Chain
- Map All Animal Touchpoints
Identify where animals are involved—directly or indirectly—through sourcing, production, or distribution. - Adopt Recognised Standards
Implement third-party certifications such as RSPCA Assured, Global Animal Partnership, or The Better Chicken Commitment. - Audit Suppliers and Set Benchmarks
Don’t just accept claims—verify them. Use independent audits and require traceability. - Build Supplier Partnerships Around Welfare
Work with suppliers who share your ethical goals. Invest in training and improvement, not just enforcement. - Communicate Transparently
Share your welfare commitments, progress, and challenges. Ethical consumers appreciate honesty, not perfection.
Final Thoughts: Profit with Principles
A growing body of evidence shows that businesses that protect animals also protect their reputations, reduce operational risks, and strengthen customer relationships. In an era of conscious consumerism, animal welfare isn’t a niche concern—it’s a core operational principle.
The RSPCA Good Business Awards celebrates companies that lead in this area—not through token gestures, but by embedding animal welfare into their business DNA.
10 UK Brands Leading the Way in Ethical and Animal-Friendly Business
In a market increasingly driven by transparency, ethics, and sustainability, consumers are no longer satisfied with empty slogans. They want to know how brands treat animals—not just in their advertising, but across their supply chains, sourcing, and product development.
These ten UK brands are setting the standard for ethical, animal-friendly business practices. Whether through cruelty-free cosmetics, sustainable fashion, or humane food sourcing, they prove that compassion and commercial success can go hand in hand.
1. Lush
Lush is globally recognized for its uncompromising stance on animal testing. All of its products are 100% cruelty-free and vegetarian, and the company actively campaigns against animal testing worldwide.
“Lush doesn’t just follow the rules—they challenge the industry to do better.”
2. Waitrose
As one of the UK’s most trusted grocery retailers, Waitrose leads in ethical sourcing. It partners with RSPCA Assured to ensure that animal welfare standards are upheld across its fresh meat, fish, and dairy products.
Waitrose’s commitment to transparent supply chains and high welfare standards has earned it repeated praise from ethical watchdogs.
3. Stella McCartney
Luxury fashion doesn’t have to exploit animals. Stella McCartney has built a high-end brand that completely avoids leather, fur, or exotic skins, proving that cruelty-free materials can be both chic and commercially viable.
“Sustainability and animal welfare are at the heart of Stella’s brand identity.”
4. The Body Shop
The Body Shop was among the first mainstream beauty brands to ban animal testing, and it continues to lead through its cruelty-free certifications and ethical ingredient sourcing.
With transparent supply chains and a strong activism track record, The Body Shop remains a pioneer of responsible beauty.
5. Greggs
Greggs made headlines with its plant-based sausage roll, but its animal welfare commitment goes deeper. It works with RSPCA Assured suppliers and continually refines its sourcing to reflect best practices.
“Greggs proves that animal-friendly options can also be mainstream bestsellers.”
6. Quorn
As a leader in meat alternatives, Quorn promotes sustainable eating and significantly reduces reliance on animal agriculture. Its growing vegan product line reflects the shift toward ethical consumerism.
Quorn’s impact goes beyond profit—it’s helping reduce demand for intensive farming.
7. Dr. Martens
Once known for leather boots, Dr. Martens now offers a popular vegan line that doesn’t compromise on quality or style. The shift toward animal-free materials shows adaptability and ethical foresight.
“When iconic brands evolve, the industry listens.”
8. Ocado
Online supermarket Ocado has prioritized traceability and transparency, offering a wide range of RSPCA Assured products and cruelty-free brands. Its partnerships support consumer access to high-welfare goods.
Ocado empowers customers to shop according to their values.
9. Neal’s Yard Remedies
This organic beauty and wellness brand is certified cruelty-free, uses sustainable packaging, and avoids any animal-derived ingredients not aligned with welfare principles.
“Neal’s Yard blends ethics, wellness, and transparency into every product.”
10. Riverford Organic Farmers
Known for its veg boxes and organic farming practices, Riverford goes further by championing ethical treatment of livestock, low-impact transport, and humane slaughter practices.
“Animal welfare is embedded in Riverford’s entire farm-to-table model.”
Why These Brands Matter
These companies aren’t perfect, but they are moving the needle. They’ve made animal welfare part of their identity—not just a footnote in a CSR report. That makes them not only worthy of recognition but also worth emulating.
“Leading by example, these brands prove that ethical choices are not just viable—they’re commercially successful.”
Final Thoughts
The businesses that win consumer trust in the years ahead will be those that align purpose with practice. These ten UK brands are showing how that’s done—by respecting animals, leading with integrity, and embedding compassion into every level of decision-making.
How to Qualify for the RSPCA Good Business Awards: A Step-by-Step Guide
The RSPCA Good Business Awards represent the highest standard of corporate recognition in animal welfare. These awards celebrate UK companies that go beyond compliance to embed compassion, ethics, and transparency into their operations.
But how do you actually qualify?
This guide outlines exactly what your business needs to do—from eligibility criteria to application tips—to become a serious contender for the RSPCA’s most respected corporate accolade.
Step 1: Understand What the Awards Recognise
The RSPCA Good Business Awards are not based on marketing claims or greenwashing. They honour businesses that:
- Demonstrate genuine commitment to animal welfare
- Implement clear, transparent, and measurable policies
- Influence change in their industry or supply chain
- Engage in responsible governance around ethical issues
Categories include sectors such as fashion, food & farming, retail, beauty, tourism, and innovation.
“These awards are about real-world impact—not just policies on paper. Your actions must match your values.”
— RSPCA Ethical Review Panel
Step 2: Ensure Your Business Is Eligible
The awards are open to:
- UK-based businesses or UK divisions of international companies
- Both for-profit and not-for-profit organisations
- Companies with operations that involve, impact, or influence animals
- Brands committed to continuous improvement in animal welfare
Companies that use misleading or unverifiable animal welfare claims will not be considered.
Step 3: Review Your Animal Welfare Practices
You’ll be evaluated based on what your business is doing—not just what it promises. Consider:
- Do you source from RSPCA Assured suppliers?
- Have you eliminated animal testing?
- Do you avoid exotic skins, fur, or unethical materials?
- Are your supply chains traceable and transparent?
- Is your animal welfare policy public and enforced?
- Do you use third-party audits or certifications?
“The RSPCA looks for operational accountability, not token gestures. Your animal welfare commitments must be embedded across your business model.”
Step 4: Prepare Your Application Materials
A strong application includes:
- A clear overview of your business and relevant operations
- A detailed description of your animal welfare policies and practices
- Evidence of implementation (audits, supplier lists, case studies)
- Impact data or measurable results
- Statements from leadership, customers, or stakeholders
Make your submission evidence-driven, concise, and aligned with the award’s goals.
Step 5: Submit by the Deadline
Applications for the RSPCA Good Business Awards typically open annually, with deadlines posted on the official website. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Double-check submission dates, format requirements, and supporting documentation guidelines.
Step 6: Prepare for Independent Review
Shortlisted entries will be reviewed by the RSPCA's independent panel of animal welfare experts and ethical business leaders. This may include:
- Site visits or virtual assessments
- Follow-up questions about your operations
- Requests for clarification or verification of claims
Transparency, integrity, and openness during this process are critical.
Step 7: Share and Leverage Your Recognition
If your company is selected as a winner or finalist:
- You’ll receive official recognition from the RSPCA
- Your business will be featured in press and media campaigns
- You’ll have the right to use the RSPCA Good Business Awards mark on your products or branding
- You’ll join a community of UK leaders committed to responsible business
“Recognition from the RSPCA doesn’t just build trust—it sets your business apart in a marketplace where values matter.”
Final Thoughts: This Is More Than an Award
Qualifying for the RSPCA Good Business Awards is not about optics—it’s about genuine commitment to a higher standard of ethics. It’s a benchmark for businesses that view animals not as commodities, but as stakeholders deserving of protection and respect.
If your business is ready to step forward as a leader in ethical, animal-conscious operations, now is the time to apply.
Why Animal Welfare Should Be Part of Every Company’s ESG Strategy
In today’s corporate landscape, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are more than just checkboxes—they’re benchmarks of trust, accountability, and long-term sustainability. But while carbon emissions and diversity targets dominate ESG conversations, there’s one area still too often overlooked: animal welfare.
Forward-thinking companies are starting to recognize that how they treat animals—directly or indirectly—says a lot about their values. And in 2025, consumers, investors, and employees are watching closely.
Animal Welfare Is an ESG Issue—Here’s Why
ESG is about minimizing harm and maximizing positive impact across stakeholders. That includes animals.
Whether through supply chains, product testing, marketing, or employee perks, many businesses are connected to animals in some form. Companies that ignore these touchpoints are overlooking a key ESG dimension.
“A company’s treatment of animals reflects its ethical maturity and commitment to long-term sustainability.”
— RSPCA Good Business Awards Panel
The Consumer Shift Toward Ethics and Transparency
According to a recent UK consumer study, over 60% of shoppers now consider animal welfare standards when choosing brands. Transparency matters.
In industries such as food, fashion, cosmetics, and entertainment, consumers want to know:
- Are animals being exploited, tested on, or harmed?
- Is the company committed to cruelty-free standards?
- Does the brand support humane, sustainable alternatives?
Brands that can clearly answer those questions are gaining a competitive edge—and building long-term loyalty.
Risk Management and Brand Integrity
Neglecting animal welfare doesn’t just hurt animals—it puts your brand at risk.
- Reputation damage from undercover investigations
- Loss of market share to cruelty-free or ethical competitors
- Investor pushback from ESG-focused funds
- Legal penalties as animal protection laws strengthen globally
Integrating animal welfare into ESG is a proactive form of reputation risk management. It tells stakeholders your business has foresight and moral leadership.
Where Animal Welfare Fits in ESG Criteria
Environmental
- Sustainable sourcing avoids destructive practices like overfishing or habitat loss
- Plant-based alternatives reduce environmental impact compared to animal farming
Social
- Workers involved in animal-related industries benefit from ethical labor and humane systems
- Positive consumer perception of cruelty-free and welfare-friendly policies
Governance
- Transparent animal welfare standards and compliance frameworks
- Independent audits and certifications (e.g. RSPCA Assured)
“If animals are part of your supply chain, governance is not complete until their welfare is part of your policy.”
Industries Where Animal Welfare Should Be ESG-Mandated
- Food & Agriculture: livestock handling, transportation, slaughter methods
- Retail & Fashion: leather, wool, down, fur, and exotic skins
- Beauty & Pharmaceuticals: animal testing in product development
- Entertainment & Tourism: animal attractions, wildlife encounters, zoos
- Logistics: companies involved in transporting animals or animal products
- Finance: ESG investment funds excluding companies that harm animal welfare
From Policy to Practice: How Companies Can Act
- Audit your supply chain for animal-related touchpoints
- Implement cruelty-free standards and certifications
- Partner with organizations like the RSPCA for expert guidance
- Train your staff in ethical sourcing and marketing practices
- Disclose animal welfare performance in ESG reporting
The bar for “doing the right thing” is rising fast. The companies that lead now will be the ones that consumers and investors trust tomorrow.
Final Thoughts: Animal Welfare Is a Strategic Imperative
Including animal welfare in your ESG strategy isn’t just ethical—it’s good business.
It builds brand credibility, strengthens stakeholder relationships, and aligns your company with a future where ethics, transparency, and responsibility define success.
The RSPCA Good Business Awards recognises companies that are setting this standard—innovating not just for profit, but for purpose.