LIVING OUR VALUES
Values repOrt 2009
Over the last 2 years we have focused on ensuring that compliance with the hCs is more a part of the day-to-day work of
internal and external employees rather than an audit that we undertake:
We provided support to our finished goods manufacturers’ to increase their involvement in compliance with the hCs.
each site was given process guidance and training and then required to obtain against animal testing declarations for
every material they used in our formulations. they were set a key performance indicator of 100% compliance, which was
continuously measured by our technical department. most of these 25 finished goods vendors now carry out their own
annual audits on the raw materials used in the cosmetic products manufactured on behalf of the body shop.
members of the Quality assurance team are now more involved in the hCs process. as part of regular Quality audits, an
audit is also carried out on a random selection of ingredients to certify that they comply with the requirements of the hCs.
We installed a new web-based database, enabling formulators and other key employees at each final product manufacturing
site to see only those raw materials that are approved and compliant with the hCs.
wHAT HAS THIS mEANT?
results of these process improvements are that:
Our against animal testing process has been communicated and publicised more widely and more regularly within and
outside the business. this has helped us to achieve 100% compliance to the humane Cosmetics standard.
it has encouraged ownership of the process and a more proactive approach by the actual purchasers of raw materials within
our supply chain.
declarations have been secured in a more timely and efficient manner.
We have seen improvement in the accuracy of raw material data held against each formulation on our database.
RSPCA ‘gOOD BUSINESS AwARD’ wINNER
for the second time in the uk, we were the winners of the royal society for protection of Cruelty against animals (rspCa)
good business award, in the category of large Cosmetics company, for our continued commitment to animal welfare.
the body shop was chosen as a Cosmetics winner for our sustained commitment to animal welfare, in particular our
forward thinking attitude.
“All the entrants should all be
applauded for responding to
consumer demand and striving to
improve the status quo. We hope
this year’s winners will inspire other
cosmetics companies to rise to the
challenge and place animal welfare at
the heart of their business policies.” david bowles
head of external affairs, rspCa
42