SGS Explains the Opportunities in Vegan Clothing and Footwear

SGS expert explains the growing popularity in vegan clothing and footwear and looks at some of the issues manufacturers must consider. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) August 16, 2019 - Veganism is now a trendy lifestyle choice for many people. Alongside non-animal derived food products, consumers are also looking for vegan-friendly clothing and footwear. This presents a considerable opportunity for manufacturers and suppliers.

The explosion in the popularity of veganism is fairly recent. It was only in 2016 that ‘vegan’ became the most commonly used dietary search term on Google in the UK, also seen in the US. A survey by the Vegan Society in 2016 put the number of vegans at around half a million in the UK, but by 2018, this had apparently grown to approximately 3.5 million.

Reasons for the popularity of veganism include:
1. Concern over animal welfare
2. Personal health
3. Concern for the environment

Concern for the environment is a key driver, with veganism seen as a good way to reduce our carbon footprint. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the United Nations has even advocated a significant reduction in meat consumption.

The influence of media should also not be underestimated. ‘Influencers’ and celebrities using social media can readily promote their particular lifestyle choices, and veganism plays well in social media’s popular healthy or ‘clean eating’ movements. These all encourage consumers to try vegan options.

Manufacturers are now seeing vegans as no longer a tiny, marginal group. They are just as fashion-conscious as other groups, and this presents an opportunity. The materials they use, however, must be robust and maintain the qualities of the animal-based materials they are replacing.

Manufacturers can use synthetic materials or those derived from plants. For example, cotton, canvas, linen, cork, natural latex rubber and innovative alternative leathers made from plant fibers such as pineapple leaves.

Most commonly, synthetic materials are used. Polyurethane is often seen as the most suitable alternative to natural leather. It can be used as an upper or liner, and is often combined with a textile backing. In addition, manufacturers can also use polyvinylchloride (PVC), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), nylon, polyester and acrylic.

Polyurethane does, however, have its drawbacks. Its environmental impact has been raised as a cause for concern, not least because it is far less biodegradable than leather. Recycling is also a problem and, of course, it is derived from fossil fuels. There are also questions about durability and the release of microplastics during laundering.

Manufacturers need to carefully consider all the materials they use in clothing and footwear. This does not just mean the main structural elements. When making vegan shoes, for example, it is no use replacing a leather upper if an animal-based glue is used. When using synthetic glues, manufacturers also need to remember they need a comprehensive Safety Data Sheet for each adhesive.

Endorsement of vegan products is currently done by non-governmental organizations such as The Vegan Society or PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). They scrutinize documentation on materials and adhesives and enquire about manufacturing processes. They also require declarations stating there is no cross-contamination between vegan and non-vegan manufacturing and that no animal testing has been carried out during the production of the item.

Vegan clothing and footwear present an ideal opportunity for manufacturers to expand their customer-base. They must, however, remain aware of the difficulties in entering this complex market.

SGS Softlines Services
SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories specializing in testing of apparel, footwear and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to carry out a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide, and can offer assistance to manufacturers moving into the vegan market. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services. [www.sgs.com/softlines]

For more information, please contact:

Steve McDonald
Global Footwear Technical Manager
Tel: +44 0116 2846782
Email: crs.media ( @ ) sgs dot com
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 97,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

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