As a prominent program managed by many organizations, Leaping Bunny is one of the few international animal protection certifications that is loved by many consumers and businesses. So what exactly is Leaping Bunny? Let’s find out in the following article.
Understanding Leaping Bunny
Leaping Bunny was established in 1996, not by a single organization but by a coalition of animal protection groups, including:
- The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC): CCIC is responsible for managing and operating the Leaping Bunny program in North America (the United States and Canada). This coalition itself is composed of eight smaller groups, with the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) serving as the coalition’s chair.
- Cruelty Free International: In the UK, Europe, and other countries around the world, Leaping Bunny falls under the management of the international partner Cruelty Free International. This organization was founded in 1898 with the goal of ending animal testing in all products on a global scale.
But why was Leaping Bunny created by a coalition of organizations? The answer is to create a common and consistent standard for cruelty-free products worldwide. This will help consumers more easily find products that meet their needs and be assured of product quality. Currently, Leaping Bunny is mainly applied to cosmetics, personal care, household goods, and cleaning products.
Leaping Bunny Standards
Managed by an alliance with the goal of setting common standards, the Leaping Bunny program has a relatively strict set of standards that businesses must comply with:
- There is a fixed cut-off date, meaning that after the selected cut-off date, the business may not conduct, authorize, or participate in any animal testing anywhere in the world. The fixed cut-off date applies to all of the company’s products, including all stages and raw materials of production.
- Establish a continuous monitoring system to ensure that Leaping Bunny criteria are fully implemented and adhered to on all products manufactured by the company.
- Be prepared for monitoring system inspections, as Leaping Bunny requires companies to open their supply chains for independent third-party periodic inspections. This ensures absolute transparency and that no animal testing is conducted throughout any stage.
What does Leaping Bunny offer?
With its strict standards, the Leaping Bunny program provides consumers with products that are completely free from animal testing, from raw materials to the final product. Consumers can feel completely confident in using these products and can easily find items that meet their requirements worldwide.
Additionally, Leaping Bunny certification serves as a statement from businesses regarding ethical standards and animal protection. Currently, many large companies such as The Body Shop, Garnier, Lush, Aesop, etc. have joined the Leaping Bunny program. This brings a global economic advantage, helping Leaping Bunny companies not only win the hearts of consumers but also easily expand their markets and increase opportunities for multinational cooperation.
Becoming a Leaping Bunny member
To become a member of the Leaping Bunny program, businesses must first ensure they fully comply with the program’s criteria. Then, they simply need to complete the online registration form, pay the fee, and await the results.
If not approved, don’t worry, Leaping Bunny will send you constructive feedback so that your business can improve its system and meet the criteria in the future. If successful, your business will receive the Leaping Bunny logo file and begin the process of coordinating a public launch date.
Conclusion
Leaping Bunny can be considered the “gold standard” for products committed to not testing on animals. Over its long history, the program has built solid trust among both consumers and businesses. So don’t hesitate—join Leaping Bunny on its journey to protect animals.