entire industry that these methods exist and ensure the technology is available to others. We work to discover animal-free tests, demonstrate that they give reproducible results, and take part in advocacy to build confidence in them. A major success this year was seeing the world’s first animal-free toxicology testing strategy to predict skin allergic reactions approved by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which issues harmonised testing guidelines for member countries. The strategy was developed and validated in a decade- long joint effort by Givaudan and the German chemicals company BASF. By demonstrating that results are reproducible and predictive, trust in replacements of animal tests is growing. Dr Roger Emter, Research Scientist at Givaudan, who developed one of the new methods The new strategy has a better predictivity for human allergy risks as compared to traditional animal testing. Dr Andreas Natsch, Head of in vitro Molecular Screening at Givaudan Contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) With this wide-ranging global partnership, our industry will be able to advance faster. As Troy Seidle, HSI Vice President for Research & Toxicology, says: “The scientific and ethical imperative to transition to non-animal test approaches compels companies and NGOs to work collaboratively towards a common goal. So we couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Givaudan to the Animal-Free Safety Assessment collaboration. Givaudan’s expertise and experience will provide a significant boost to our efforts to abolish the use of animals in cosmetic animal testing.” Three new non-animal tests combined can detect if a substance is a skin sensitiser. An additional test, which quantifies the potency of any allergic reaction, has also been adopted by the OECD. Givaudan and BASF have trained laboratories around the world on how to use these methods to generate accurate results. This milestone opens up the possibility of approvals for entire testing strategies in other areas, such as eye irritation, or impacts on the hormone system. As Dr Greg Adamson, Givaudan’s Head of Fragrance & Beauty Global Regulatory Affairs and Product Safety, says: “Givaudan has been working to develop non-animal testing methods for many years. We are proud of our contribution in driving change to date and, as an industry, it’s crucial that we work together to end the practice of animal testing for fragrances and cosmetics.” Our work does not stop there. We are extending our commitment to animal-free testing by joining the Animal-Free Safety Assessment (AFSA) collaboration, which aims to advance chemical safety globally. AFSA brings together corporations and non-profits such as Humane Society International (HIS). Givaudan has signed up to a multi-year collaboration with a mission to enhance capabilities across companies and regulators so that safety decisions for cosmetics can be made without demands for new animal testing. One important part of our role is to work with other stakeholders to co-create a global training curriculum in next-generation risk assessment. Another part is to contribute to real- world case studies in animal-free safety assessment. We will join in AFSA advocacy efforts to overcome barriers preventing acceptance of alternatives to animal testing by chemical regulators, both in the European Union and beyond. We’re confident that collaborations with committed partners will accelerate alternative approaches to animal testing. Dr Greg Adamson, Head of Fragrance & Beauty Global Regulatory Affairs and Product Safety at Givaudan Givaudan – 2021 Integrated Annual Report Value-based governance At t he forefront of animal-free testing 119 118 Value-based governance At the forefront of animal-free testing Acting as a force for good