Since there is no binding definition of the term "vegan" we use the wording of "The Vegan Society" which was founded in Great Britain in 1944. According to this, veganism 1): is a lifestyle that avoids all animal food such as meat, dairy, eggs and honey; animal derived products like leather; and, as far as possible, products tested on animals.
The Vegan Society’s formal definition is: “Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude – as far as is possible and practicable – all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”
Our artists’ colours and painting mediums, which do not contain raw materials of animal origin, can be used in accordance with this definition and are listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1: List of Schmincke artists' colours that do not contain any raw materials of animal origin2):
Table 2 lists the products containing raw materials of animal origin. The use of these raw materials is in most cases based on historical recipes. If alternatives can be used for these products without changing the character and quality of the products, this will be done or included as an alternative.
Table 2: List of Schmincke artists' colours containing raw materials of animal origin with the corresponding raw materials:
Our statement on tests on animals for the purpose of classifying products and raw materials used:
We do not commission or carry out any animal testing for the classification of our products. The classification of the raw materials we use in our products and raw materials for the containers, outer packaging and labels we purchase are subject to the regulations of the current European REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006).
Comments:
1) The Vegan Society: What is veganism? www.vegansociety.com/about-us/further-information/key-facts
2) The information corresponds to our current state of knowledge as far as we follow the supply chains
3) ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/animal_en.html
The described product attributes and application examples have been tested in the Schmincke laboratory. The information is based on our current state of technical findings and experience. Due to the diversity of applications in terms of painting techniques, materials and working conditions, as well as numerous possible influences, this information is based on a general application range. A legally binding guarantee of specific attributes or the suitability for a specific usage purpose cannot be derived from our information; therefore the use of the products must be adapted to the users' individual conditions and tested in trials. For this reason, we cannot provide a warranty for product attributes and/or assume liability for damages that occur in connection with the use of our products.
By the way:
Specifics for handling and product safety you will find on our website www.schmincke.de (e.g. download/safety data sheets).
For special questions please don´t hesitate to ask our team in the lab!The best way to get in contact with them is via mail at: laborteam@schmincke.de.