Coty forms strategic partnership with Cruelty Free International, the leading organization working to end animal testing for cosmetics globally
Coty will certify at least one other global brand within two years
TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Coty, one of the world's leading beauty companies, announced a strategic partnership with Cruelty Free International that aims to end animal testing for cosmetics globally. As a first step in the partnership, Coty achieved Leaping Bunny certification by Cruelty Free International for COVERGIRL, which is the largest makeup brand ever to be awarded this certification, the internationally-recognized gold standard for cruelty free designation.
Coty worked with Cruelty Free International to undergo a rigorous audit of the brand's supply chain and ingredients, resulting in Leaping Bunny certifying that COVERGIRL products and ingredients are not tested on animals either by Coty or its suppliers.
The Leaping Bunny certification program is the most comprehensive worldwide cruelty free standard and includes checking for animal testing down to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) manufacturer level and an ongoing internal monitoring system. Leaping Bunny certification is the only globally recognized program that requires regular independent supply chain audits to ensure continued compliance.
As part of the strategic partnership, Coty has also committed that at least one more of its brands will become certified through the Leaping Bunny program by 2020. The company will leverage the knowledge it gained about global supply chain certification through this process to help drive more responsible practices across its brand portfolio and the beauty industry.
Camillo Pane, CEO of Coty, said: "Being cruelty free and achieving the Leaping Bunny certification for COVERGIRL is the right thing to do, at the right time, in the right way. Listening to our consumers, we started this journey with COVERGIRL to demonstrate our commitment to this issue by achieving such an ambitious certification at scale. This is consistent with our ambition of growing responsibly by championing open, inclusive and sustainable beauty."
Ukonwa Ojo, Chief Marketing Officer, Coty Consumer Beauty, said: "Consumers expect brands to be leaders for positive change so today COVERGIRL is taking a stand about making cruelty free cosmetics a mainstream reality. We know we are not alone in wanting a beauty industry that is free from animal cruelty and, working with Cruelty Free International, invite others to join us in turning these conversations into action."
Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International, said: "We are delighted to partner with Coty to end cruel and unnecessary animal testing for cosmetics worldwide and have been impressed with the company's passionate commitment. The Leaping Bunny certification of COVERGIRL marks a new milestone in this area as the largest makeup brand to be certified cruelty free after having met our rigorous criteria. Importantly, COVERGIRL's certification demonstrates to the world that it is possible to be an accessible and innovative brand without inflicting suffering on animals. We hope today's announcement encourages more cosmetics companies to do the right thing, listen to public demand and make a commitment to ending animal suffering in the cosmetics industry."
The Leaping Bunny logo will feature on all COVERGIRL products, the best visible and independent assurance to consumers of a company's commitment to ensuring that the brand is free from animal testing and adheres to the strict criteria.
To read more about COVERGIRL's Leaping Bunny certification, please visit https://www.coty.com/faq.
About COVERGIRL
COVERGIRL, a cosmetics category leader with over $1 billion in retail sales globally, celebrates authenticity, diversity and self-expression through makeup. The new "I am what I make up" brand purpose and communication aims to inspire people to embrace their unique identities and unapologetically create any version of themselves. COVERGIRL holds an iconic position in the world of beauty, empowering makeup lovers to express their unique beauty for more than 60 years. Visit www.covergirl.com or find @COVERGIRL on social media for more information.
About Coty Inc.
Coty is one of the world's largest beauty companies with over $9 billion in revenue, an iconic portfolio of brands and a purpose to celebrate and liberate the diversity of consumers' beauty. We believe the beauty of humanity lies in the individuality of its people; beauty is at its best when authentic; and beauty should make you feel happy, never sad. As the global leader in fragrance, a strong number two in professional salon hair color & styling, and number three in color cosmetics, Coty operates three divisions: Consumer Beauty, which is focused on mass color cosmetics, mass retail hair coloring and styling products, body care and mass fragrances with brands such as COVERGIRL, Max Factor, Bourjois and Rimmel; Luxury, which is focused on prestige fragrances and skincare with brands such as Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Hugo Boss, Gucci and philosophy; and Professional Beauty, which is focused on servicing salon owners and professionals in both hair and nail, with brands such as Wella Professionals, Sebastian Professional, OPI and ghd. Coty has 20,000 colleagues globally and its products are sold in over 150 countries. Coty and its brands are committed to a range of social causes as well as seeking to minimize its impact on the environment.
For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com.
About Cruelty Free International
Cruelty Free International spearheads the campaign to end animal testing for cosmetics globally. It is the leading organization working to create a world where nobody wants or believes in the need to experiment on animals. As one of the world's longest standing and most respected animal protection organizations, it is widely regarded as an authority on animal testing issues and frequently called upon by governments, media, corporations and official bodies for advice and expert opinion.
About Leaping Bunny
Internationally, over 1000 companies are proud to be Leaping Bunny certified. Many display the Leaping Bunny logo on packaging to help consumers choose to shop cruelty free.
The Leaping Bunny certification is the globally recognized gold standard for cosmetics, personal care products and household products. It is the only internationally recognized certification that requires a supplier monitoring system to be implemented by the brand, supply chain checking for animal testing right down to ingredient manufacturer level, adherence to a fixed cut-off date policy and acceptance of ongoing independent audits to ensure compliance.
For additional information about Cruelty Free International or the Leaping Bunny, please visit http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org
SOURCE Coty Inc.
MEDIA RELATIONS: Coty Inc., Melissa Karis [email protected]; MSL Group, Shannon Law [email protected]
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