The Vegan Society Partnership: How We Screen Investments

When we set out to create Vegan Invest, we didn't want to define "vegan" ourselves. We wanted to work with the organisation that literally invented the word.

The Vegan Society has been defining and promoting veganism since 1944. They register the trademark that certifies products as vegan. They know better than anyone what vegan standards should look like.

Why Partnership Matters

Many investment products claim to be "ethical" or even "vegan-friendly" without any external verification. Marketing teams choose whatever labels they think will attract customers.

We took a different approach. We developed our screening criteria in consultation with the Vegan Society to ensure our exclusions are:

• Comprehensive (covering all forms of animal exploitation)
• Consistent (applying standards uniformly)
• Credible (backed by recognised expertise)
• Evolving (updating as industries change)

Our Screening Standards

Based on these conversations, we exclude investments in companies with significant involvement in:

Direct animal exploitation:

• Factory farming and intensive agriculture
• Slaughterhouses and meat processing
• Dairy and egg production
• Fishing and aquaculture
• Animal entertainment (zoos, marine parks, circuses, racing)
• Animal breeding for commercial purposes

Animal testing:

• Cosmetics testing on animals
• Household product testing on animals
• Non-essential pharmaceutical testing
• Research facilities using animals

Animal-derived products:

• Leather, fur, and exotic skins
• Wool and silk
• Down and feathers
• Non-vegan cosmetics and toiletries

Related environmental harm:

• Fossil fuels (major driver of habitat destruction)
• Deforestation (destroys animal habitats)
• Companies with serious environmental violations

The 5% Revenue Threshold

We apply a 5% revenue threshold to these exclusions. If a company derives more than 5% of its revenue from any excluded activity, it's out of our portfolios.

Why 5% rather than zero?

Practical reality: Some level of exposure is nearly impossible to avoid. A technology company might have a food service contract that serves meat. A retailer might sell some leather goods among thousands of products.

Proportionality: A company with 3% animal-related revenue and 97% ethical revenue has a very different impact than one with 50% animal-related revenue.

Market influence: Companies with small animal-related operations may be moving away from them. Maintaining some investment can support that transition.

However, 5% is strict by industry standards. Many "ethical" funds use 10% or higher thresholds.

Beyond Exclusion

Avoiding harm is necessary but not sufficient. We also consider:

Positive contribution: Does the company actively contribute to vegan values? Plant-based food companies, cruelty-free cosmetics makers, and sustainable materials innovators score higher.

Improvement trajectory: Is the company moving in the right direction? Increasing plant-based offerings, phasing out animal testing, improving supply chain standards.

Transparency: Does the company honestly report on animal-related activities? Hiding or minimising involvement is a red flag.

Ongoing Dialogue

Our relationship with the Vegan Society isn't just about initial screening. We maintain ongoing dialogue about:

Emerging issues: New industries, new practices, new products that need assessment.

Changing standards: What counts as "vegan" evolves. Cell-based meat is just one example of new territory.

Edge cases: Some companies and situations aren't black and white. Expert input helps navigate grey areas.

Consumer expectations: What do vegan investors actually want from their portfolios? The Society helps us understand community priorities.

What This Means for You

When you invest with Vegan Invest, you can trust that:

1. Exclusions are credible - Based on expertise, not just marketing
2. Standards are rigorous - 5% threshold, comprehensive categories
3. Screening is current - Regularly updated as companies and industries change
4. Oversight exists - External consultation, not just internal decisions

The Chartered Financial Planner Difference

But vegan screening is only part of the picture. We're also chartered financial planners, which means:

• We give personal advice, not just generic guidance
• We consider your whole financial situation
• We're regulated by the FCA with strict professional standards
• We have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interests

The combination of vegan values and professional expertise is what makes Vegan Invest different. Your investments are both ethically aligned AND professionally managed.

Want to invest according to genuine vegan standards? Start your journey today.