MANE Joins ICCS to Drive Innovation in Animal-Free Cosmetics Safety Assessments
The International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety (ICCS) is thrilled to welcome MANE as a new partner, further strengthening the collective commitment to advancing animal-free safety assessments in the cosmetics and personal care industry. This collaboration underscores MANE’s dedication to pioneering ethical and innovative testing methods, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable and responsible product development.
A Shared Vision for Ethical Testing
The partnership between MANE and ICCS is rooted in a shared vision of reducing and eventually eliminating the need for animal testing in the cosmetics and personal care sector. MANE, a global leader in fragrance and flavor innovation, has consistently upheld strict ethical standards, ensuring that its products meet the highest safety requirements without relying on animal testing. By joining ICCS, the company is taking another significant step toward a future where safety assessments are conducted using scientifically validated, cruelty-free alternatives.
“By joining forces with ICCS, MANE reaffirms its commitment to developing and promoting non-animal safety approaches. Together, alongside our global network of ICCS members, we will continue driving progress toward a future free from animal testing,” said Erin Hill, CEO of ICCS.
Erin Hill’s statement highlights ICCS’s role in bringing together key industry players, regulatory bodies, and research institutions to accelerate the adoption of animal-free safety assessment methods. The addition of MANE to this influential network further amplifies the impact of these efforts, ensuring that ethical and scientifically robust alternatives gain wider acceptance and implementation worldwide.
MANE’s Ethical and Scientific Commitment
At MANE, ethical responsibility is more than a policy; it is a core aspect Cosmetics of the company’s identity. Eric Angelini, Vice President of Global Regulatory Affairs & Product Safety at MANE, emphasized this commitment:
“At MANE, the protection of animal welfare and the environment is not just a priority—it is a cornerstone of our identity. This unwavering commitment is reflected in our strict policy of not conducting animal tests on our flavor or fragrance compositions.”
MANE’s stance extends beyond compliance with existing regulations. The company Cosmetics is actively engaged in pioneering research and development initiatives that promote alternative testing methodologies. While some regulatory bodies in specific regions still require animal testing under certain Cosmetics conditions, MANE ensures that such instances remain an exception rather than the norm. By investing in alternative safety assessments, MANE is not just meeting industry standards but setting new Cosmetics benchmarks for ethical product development.
Investing in Alternative Testing Methods
Since 2007, MANE has been a shareholder in ImmunoSearch, a research company dedicated to the development of in vitro toxicological testing. This investment reflects the company’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge scientific methods that provide reliable safety assessments without animal involvement.
In 2008, MANE began incorporating alternative methods for skin irritation screening using the EPISKIN® model, an innovative in vitro testing platform that mimics human skin. This early adoption of alternative testing methodologies has positioned MANE as a pioneer in sustainable Cosmetics product safety research.
Beyond EPISKIN®, MANE collaborates with and invests in companies specializing in non-animal testing methodologies, including Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) modeling, a powerful in silico (computer-based) approach that predicts the toxicological properties of chemical substances based on their molecular structure.
Through these investments and collaborations, MANE continues to push the boundaries of ethical innovation, ensuring that its products meet rigorous safety standards while minimizing harm to animals and the environment.
The Role of ICCS in Advancing Non-Animal Testing
Formed in early 2023, ICCS is a global initiative dedicated to promoting the adoption of animal-free safety assessment methods for cosmetics and personal care products. The organization comprises international members, including:
- Market leaders in cosmetic product and ingredient manufacturing
- Notable trade and research associations
- Influential animal protection organizations
ICCS works collaboratively with regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and scientific institutions to accelerate the transition to non-animal testing. Its mission encompasses:
- Raising global awareness about the limitations of animal testing and the benefits of alternative safety assessments
- Facilitating scientific research to develop and validate new testing methodologies
- Engaging with policymakers to advocate for regulatory acceptance of non-animal testing methods
By joining ICCS, MANE gains access to a global network of experts and resources, enhancing its ability to drive meaningful change in the industry. Together, ICCS and MANE will work toward overcoming scientific and regulatory barriers to achieve widespread acceptance of ethical and effective testing alternatives.
Why Animal-Free Testing Matters
The move toward animal-free testing is not just an ethical imperative; it is also a scientific and economic necessity. Traditional animal testing methods have several limitations, including:
- Ethical concerns: The use of animals in testing raises significant moral questions and faces increasing public opposition.
- Scientific limitations: Animal models often fail to accurately predict human responses to substances, leading to unreliable safety assessments.
- Regulatory challenges: Global inconsistencies in regulatory requirements create hurdles for companies seeking to comply with animal-free testing mandates.
- Economic inefficiency: Animal testing is costly and time-consuming compared to alternative methods, which offer faster and more precise results.
Innovative approaches such as in vitro testing, computational modeling, and AI-driven predictive analytics provide safer, more reliable, and ethically sound solutions for assessing product safety. MANE’s investment in these technologies ensures that it remains at the forefront of industry advancements, contributing to a future where non-animal testing becomes the global standard.
MANE: A Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability
Established in 1871, MANE has grown into one of the world’s leading fragrance and flavor companies, known for its independence, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to sustainability. The company operates 50 R&D centers and 29 production sites worldwide, employing more than 8,000 professionals across 39 countries.
MANE’s legacy is built on a foundation of environmental stewardship and ethical business practices. The company was the first in the flavor and fragrance industry to sign the United Nations Global Compact in 2003, aligning its operations with global sustainability goals. Additionally, MANE actively participates in climate protection initiatives such as the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), demonstrating its commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ethical Testing
With MANE joining ICCS, the momentum toward non-animal safety assessments is stronger than ever. This partnership represents a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to eliminate animal testing in the cosmetics and personal care industry. By leveraging scientific innovation, industry collaboration, and regulatory advocacy, ICCS and MANE aim to:
- Expand the adoption of alternative testing methods across global markets
- Strengthen regulatory acceptance of non-animal safety assessments
- Encourage industry-wide commitment to ethical product development
As consumer demand for cruelty-free products continues to rise, the need for industry leaders to take decisive action has never been greater. Through this collaboration, ICCS and MANE reaffirm their dedication to a future where safe, effective, and ethically tested products are the norm.
For more information about ICCS and its initiatives, visit www.iccs-cosmetics.org.
To learn more about MANE’s sustainability efforts and commitment to ethical innovation, visit www.mane.com.
