Renault to eliminate use of animal leather

© Renault Group

Leather Alternatives

Renault to Eliminate the Use of Animal Leather in Its Vehicles Following Talks With PETA France

Vehicle manufacturer Renault is set to eliminate the use of animal leather across its entire range by the end of the year, following talks with PETA France. As part of the talks, PETA shared its Vegan Car Interior Survey, which illustrates the movement toward animal-free interiors as consumers increasingly demand more ethical options. Renault has already launched several new models that feature seats made from recycled materials and eco-friendly interior fabrics, helping to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfill sites. These include the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, Symbioz, and Rafale. PETA is now urging other automakers to follow in Renault’s footsteps and offer ethical interiors by default. “Compassion and innovation go hand-in-hand” According to PETA, over a billion animals are killed …

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Konscious Foods

© Konscious Foods

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

PETA Names 2025’s Top Vegan Seafood Brands

Ahead of the 2025 summer season, PETA has released its rankings for the top vegan seafood brands. The list recognizes companies offering plant-based alternatives that cater to the growing demand for seafood alternatives while promoting ocean conservation. Among the featured brands is Mind Blown, based in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, known for its vegan crab cakes and shrimp. This year, Mind Blown has also focused on expanding its presence in foodservice, securing partnerships with Wintzell’s Oyster House and a repeating collaboration with PLNT Burger. Government support for vegan seafood Also making the list is Konscious Foods, a Canadian brand recognized for its vegan sushi and poke bowls. Recently, Konscious received a significant investment from the Government of Canada to expand production, increase exports, and create jobs, …

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Chicago stock

Photo: Chait Goli on Pexels

Studies & Numbers

PETA Reveals the US’s Ten Most Vegan-Friendly Cities of 2025

Animal rights charity PETA has published a list of the top ten most vegan-friendly cities in the United States in 2025. Each location offers a diverse range of plant-based options, from major chains to small pop-ups. The top three Despite its reputation for deep-dish pizza and meaty sandwiches, Chicago tops this year’s list. PETA praises options such as Buona’s Italian Beefless Sandwich and Bowl, the Radical Reuben at The Chicago Diner, and custom vegan cakes from Alliance Bakery. Philadelphia, once considered one of the US’s unhealthiest cities, has now been named the second-most vegan-friendly. The Nile Cafe serves plant-based comfort food classics, while Vedge offers upscale dishes. Meanwhile, Monster Vegan serves craft cocktails and dishes such as a charcuterie board with dairy-free artisan cheeses. In …

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GAIL's drops soy milk surcharge

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Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

GAIL’s Drops Soy Milk Surcharge Following PETA Campaign

UK bakery chain GAIL’s has announced it will drop its surcharge on soy milk, just weeks after PETA launched a national campaign urging it to make the change. Over 12,000 people have reportedly written to GAIL’s to request the end of the upcharge; in response, the chain confirmed it will stop charging for soy milk from May 21, though customers who choose oat milk will still have to pay extra. PETA says it will continue to urge GAIL’s and other chains to stop charging for all milk alternatives. Companies such as Starbucks, Pret A Manger, and Patisserie Valerie have already removed all their plant-based milk surcharges, while some others, including Café Nero and Costa, offer at least one milk alternative that does not cost extra. …

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Peet's Coffee

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Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Peet’s Coffee Removes Plant-Based Milk Surcharge Following PETA and Paul McCartney Push

Peet’s Coffee will no longer charge an extra fee for plant-based milks, following pressure from animal rights group PETA and public support from Sir Paul McCartney. The announcement comes after PETA launched a national campaign urging the coffee chain to stop penalizing customers who opt for vegan milks, such as almond, oat, and pea-based varieties, instead of traditional cow’s milk. Peet’s currently charges at least 80 cents more for plant milks, a practice that PETA has criticized for contributing to environmental damage and animal welfare concerns, including the separation of mother cows from their calves. PETA’s campaign included a social media blitz, targeted billboards near Peet’s locations, and protests. The group argued that the upcharge on plant-based milks was inconsistent with Peet’s stated commitment to …

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Tim Hortons

© Tim Hortons

Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Tim Hortons Drops Non-Dairy Milk Surcharge in Canada and the US

Tim Hortons has confirmed it will eliminate the surcharge for plant-based milk in both Canada and the US following advocacy efforts from organizations including Switch4Good, PETA, and Mercy For Animals, aligning with other major chains removing financial barriers to more sustainable and ethical choices. The move makes Tim Hortons—Canada’s largest coffee chain and one of the biggest globally—the fourth major brand to eliminate the upcharge in recent months, following Starbucks in November 2024, Dutch Bros Coffee in January 2025 and Scooter’s Coffee earlier this month. Until now, customers at its nearly 4,000 locations across North America faced additional charges, sometimes up to a dollar, for plant-based alternatives in drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Advocacy efforts drive change The decision was communicated to Switch4Good’s executive director, …

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Beyond Meat IV

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Fairs & Events

Beyond Meat, Konscious & Banza Among the Winners of peta2’s Libby Awards 2024

peta2, the youth-oriented US subsidiary of animal rights charity PETA, has revealed the winners of its annual Libby Awards, which recognize brands and celebrities with a commitment to animals. Here are all the winners and top nominees in the food categories: Favorite Nondairy Product Winner: Aldi Barissimo Non-Dairy Oat Milk Cold Foam Other nominees: Tabitha Brown for Target Sweet Pea & Basil Ravioli Icelandic Provisions Vanilla Bean Oatmilk Skyr. Bored Cow Pumpkin Spice Animal-Free Milk Favorite Vegan Frozen Option Winner: Banza Vegan Margherita Pizza Other nominees: Strong Roots Chipotle Mac Daring. Buffalo Plant Chicken Wing Trader Joe’s Kimbap Favorite Vegan Meat Winner: Beyond Burger Avocado Oil Plant-Based Patties Other nominees: Trader Joe’s Vegan Pepperoni Oscar Mayer Bun Length Plant Based Not Hot Dogs MorningStar Farms …

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PETA UK reveals winners of Vegan Food Awards

© The Fog on the Tyne

Food & Beverage

PETA UK Reveals Winners of Vegan Food Awards 2024

PETA UK has revealed the results of its annual Vegan Food Awards, featuring 15 categories. The winners for 2024 are: Best Cheese: La Fauxmagerie – Brixton Blue This artisan vegan cheese is made from coconut oil, almonds, and vegan cultures. It has been praised by celebrity chef Theo Michaels, who said, “I was hesitant about vegan cheese – until now. Wow! My tastebuds have just been blown. The Brixton Blue is ripe, creamy, full of flavour, and has a certain brittleness that I’d hoped for. It’d pair perfectly with a serendipitously placed glass of red wine.” The plant-based cheese is available from Waitrose and La Fauxmagerie’s website. Best Milk: Oato – Barista Whole Oato is a fresh milk alternative made in Lancashire from 100% British …

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PETA

© PETA

Society

PETA Warns US Meat Companies to Learn from Mistakes of Tobacco Farmers and “Get Out Now!”

PETA is urging five major US meat companies—Hormel Foods, Cargill, Smithfield Foods, Tyson Foods, and Oscar Mayer—to shift their focus from animal-based products to vegan alternatives, following the example set by one of Italy’s oldest meat producers, Gruppo Tonazzo. Gruppo Tonazzo recently announced that it will stop selling meat entirely and concentrate solely on plant-based products. Albino Tonazzo, CEO of the company’s plant-based brand Kioene, explained that the shift is motivated by a “deep responsibility to future generations” and a commitment to environmental preservation. In letters sent to the CEOs of the US companies, PETA noted the growing consumer demand for plant-based foods and the environmental and ethical concerns associated with animal agriculture. The group explained that all five companies have already introduced vegan products …

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Vegan fish and chips by The No Catch Co. Image supplied by PETA

Gastronomy & Food Service

PETA Reveals The “UK’s Best” Vegan Fish and Chips Spots

Animal rights charity PETA has published a list titled “The UK’s Best Vegan Fish and Chips Spots”, highlighting eateries around the country serving plant-based versions of the classic British dish. Among the top-rated spots are: The Good Catch Co — Founded by activist Ed Winters (Earthling Ed) and his business partner Kevyn Bourke, this plant-based fish and chip shop in Brighton has an impressive menu featuring battered “cod” and smoked “haddock”, along with Popcorn Prawnz, lemon “shrimp”, and vegan calamari. In 2021, Winters and Bourke told vegconomist that their aim was to “take on the fish and chip industry”. Harbour Lights — This Falmouth shop has been recognised for its tofu-based vegan fish, which is marinated in brine and lemon juice before being wrapped in …

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BMW Mini leather-free

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Materials

PETA Survey Finds Significant Increase in Brands Offering Vegan Car Interiors

A survey by animal rights charity PETA has found a considerable increase in brands offering vegan car interiors worldwide. PETA contacted the most popular car brands in the biggest global markets to find out whether they offer interiors free of animal-derived materials such as leather and wool. Cabin surfaces, seats, trim, and steering wheels were all taken into account. Mercedes-Benz and BMW confirmed that they now offer several models with vegan interiors; the latter recently announced that the 5 Series Touring would feature seat surfaces made from an innovative leather alternative called Veganza. Fiat also offers animal-free interiors, as does Volkswagen for several of its models available on the German market. Volvo, Citroën, Dacia, Peugeot, Renault, smart, and Polestar all offer vegan interior options either …

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female farmer spraying veg

Image courtesy of ProVeg International

Agriculture / Agribusiness

PETA Study Reveals Transformative Power of Animal-Free Agriculture with Potential to Cut 84% of Emissions

A new PETA study entitled Rethinking Agriculture, authored by Prof Jan Wirsam of the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, showcases the transformative potential of animal-free agriculture. It argues that adopting vegan organic farming could revolutionize our agricultural systems. The research highlights an impressive potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 84%, reducing them to 6.1 million tonnes annually. Moreover, the need for agricultural land could dramatically decrease from 14 million hectares to just 5 million hectares by eliminating animal feed production. The study provides a detailed analysis of how vegan organic farming can transform the entire agricultural and food system, focusing on global warming reduction, biodiversity protection, and increased efficiency in using natural resources, while also reducing animal suffering. It offers actionable recommendations …

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Non-Food

PETA India Reveals Winners of Vegan Fashion Awards 2023

PETA India has announced the winners of its 2023 Vegan Fashion Awards, which recognise brands and designers working to remove animals from the fashion industry. The winners are: Best Vegan Fashion Moment: The Central Leather Research Institute, for developing technology to make vegan leather using mango pulp. Best Vegan Style Icon: Bollywood star Wamiqa Gabbi, for her animal advocacy and leather-free fashion. Best Vegan Sneakers: Gorilla Lifestyle, a vegan streetwear brand targeted at young people. Best Vegan Kids’ Shoes: Aretto, for its leather-free adjustable shoes that can expand up to three sizes as a child grows. The brand has been backed by cricketer Hardik Pandya. Best Vegan Sarees: Swachhata Pukare Foundation, which makes silk-free handloom sarees from fibres extracted from water hyacinths. Best Vegan Personal …

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British plant-based meat brand Squeaky Bean launches its first-ever fish alternatives

Image courtesy of Squeaky Bean

Food & Beverage

PETA UK Names Winners of Vegan Food Awards 2023

Animal rights organisation PETA UK has revealed the winners of its Vegan Food Awards for 2023. This year’s awards feature 21 categories, recognising the following products and companies. Best Vegan Milk: Marks & Spencer Chilled British Oat Drink. This new product by M&S is one of the first plant-based milks to be sold in the same bottles as conventional cow’s milk. Best Vegan Chicken: VFC Chick*n Stompers. VFC previously won this award for its original plant-based chicken range in 2021, and has taken the top spot again with a new option for kids. Best Vegan Burger: THIS Isn’t Beef Burgers. Newly reformulated, these burgers contain 30% less saturated fat than beef and have a much lower carbon footprint. Best Vegan Meat: Redefine Meat Beef Flank. …

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Cashmere goat

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Non-Food

Global Apparal Giant VF Corporation Commits to Cashmere-Free Products

VF Corporation, the parent company of popular fashion brands Timberland, The North Face, Vans, and Jansport, has announced its decision to discontinue the use of cashmere in its products, as announced by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The company has confirmed that none of its core products across its brand portfolio currently contain goat hair, and there are no plans to introduce new cashmere-containing items. While there may still be items containing cashmere in stores, no new products will be produced using the material.  Phasing out cashmere VF Corporation joins a growing list of fashion industry players, such as Victoria’s Secret, ASOS, Supreme, PINK, Le Château, and others, that have already phased out cashmere from their products. Notably, Victoria’s Secret ceased using …

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studierendenwerk berlin canteen

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Food Service

PETA Honors 2023’s Most Vegan-Friendly Canteens in Germany

For the seventh time, PETA has surveyed university canteens nationwide on various aspects of veganism. Based on the responses of the 41 participating student unions, awards were given in terms of gastronomic stars, and the most vegan-friendly canteens in 2023 were crowned. The “Mensa Pasteria TU Veggie 2.0 – the vegan cafeteria” has only vegan offers. Around 500 portions of food in the form of 9 to 12 vegan dishes are served daily. In addition to the main dishes, starters, soups, salads with various dressings and desserts are also available. Vegan dishes are also offered in the other canteens of the Studierendenwerk Berlin. There is also a vegan-vegetarian canteen. The assessment criteria related mainly to the daily range of vegan dishes, the special training of …

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A chair upholstered with vegan leather Piñatex

© Tamasine Osher

Materials

PETA UK 2023 Vegan Homeware Awards Winners Revealed

PETA UK has announced the winners of its 2023 Vegan Homeware Awards. This annual initiative recognizes brands and designers making cruelty-free products to meet the growing demand for sustainable, compassionate home decor.  Avoiding leather, feathers, wool, and silk, the winners of the seventh edition of the awards propose chairs upholstered with pineapple leather, coconut wax candles, luxurious silk-free sheets, and even a plant milk maker to avoid dairy and artificial ingredients.  BEST STATEMENT PIECE Tamasine Osher — Purton chair in Piñatex Designer Tamasine Osher has created a chair with a steel, brass, or bronze frame with upholstery available in Piñatex or other materials called the Purton. This planet-friendly chair proves that furniture can be sleek and sophisticated without harming animals, says PETA. BEST WOOL-FREE THROW Piglet in Bed —  Blue Café au Lait …

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el origen latin american snacks

el origen founder Gordon Prox © Sarah Buth

Sweets & Snacks

Plantain Chips Developed by YouTuber Gordon Prox Win PETA Vegan Food Award

El origen, a German snack brand inspired by Latin American ingredients, has received a PETA Vegan Food Award for its organic salted plantain chips. The brand was founded in 2019 by Gordon Prox, the vlogger behind the popular YouTube channel Vegan ist Ungesund (Vegan is Unhealthy). The channel discusses vegan nutrition and showcases the latest plant-based products. “We are super proud that our delicious chips beat the competition!” said Prox. El origen’s award-winning snacks are made with just three ingredients — plantain, sunflower oil, and sea salt. Their taste and sustainable production impressed judges enough to take first place in the Best Vegan Chips category. Creating jobs in Ecuador Gordon Prox was introduced to Latin American culture by his Mexican fiancee, and became inspired to …

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Laurence-Candy-Northwood-Farm

Northwood Farm

Agriculture / Agribusiness

PETA UK Celebrates “Sowers of Compassion” With First Farming Awards

The first ever PETA UK Farming Awards has taken place, recognising ten farms across the country for their contributions to ethical, animal-free farming. The winners include growers of seafood, a producer of soybeans for tofu, and a former beef farmer who sent his cows to a sanctuary. The award winners are as follows: Aweside Farm — A grower of organic edible flowers, leaves, and herbs. The farm is also working to create habitats for wildlife, such as ponds, meadows, and hedgerows. IC Mushrooms — Producing oyster mushrooms, shiitakes, and more using sustainable raw vegan ingredients. Courses in mushroom growing are also offered at the farm. Northwood Farm — A former beef farm, Northwood sent its cows to a farm sanctuary and now produces beans and …

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Petaluma Plant-based Dog food

©Petaluma

Products & Launches

Petaluma Dog Food Partners with Erewhon Market for Brick-and-Mortar Debut

Sustainable dog nutrition brand Petaluma announces it is making its brick-and-mortar debut at Los Angeles grocery chain Erewhon Market.  Petaluma’s premium dog food and chews are rolling out at all eight of Erewhon Market’s locations across Los Angeles County. The specialty chain will feature the brand’s Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato food in a five-pound bag, along with its dehydrated chews.  According to Petaluma, since its direct-to-consumer debut in 2021, the company has grown a loyal subscriber base, 15% of which is made up of customers located in Southern California.  Crafted by veterinary scientists, Petaluma’s Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato formula is gently baked to provide the nutrients dogs need with a much smaller environmental “pawprint”.  Eco-friendly mission Petaluma states its dog food, …

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