Last Updated on May 28, 2024

You’ve probably played with Crayola markers or crayons growing up. They’re at the epicenter of almost every classroom during arts and crafts time!

Crayola was established in 1885 and can be found in almost every store that sells art supplies. Widely renown and popular, around 99% of households recognize the brand’s name.

Crayola has taken some steps towards sustainability: The brand hosts a 20-acre solar field next to their Pennsylvania plant, invests in renewable energy, cut back on plastic packaging, and has reduced CO2 emissions from the operating of their company-owned facilities by 82% since 2019.

But are Crayola markers and crayons vegan? No, and here’s everything you need to know, along with important details on vegan marker alternatives. 

does crayola have animal fat? 

It’s possible Crayola products contain animal fat, though they are not transparent about their ingredients. However, Crayola crayons are thought to contain stearic acid, which is typically sourced from beef tallow.

While stearic acid can come from plant and animal sources alike, according to Plant Based News, Crayola has reportedly confirmed it uses animal-based stearic acid.

what is a crayola marker made of? 

While Crayola has not explicitly listed all the ingredients in their markers, according to Plant Based News, Crayola markers are said to contain animal byproducts.

A spokesperson for Crayola told Plant Based News they use animal byproducts in “some” of their products.

It is speculated that they may contain substances such as milk casein, insect shells, gelatin, bone char or beeswax, as these ingredients are commonly used to bind or preserve markers.

Crayola has said the basic ingredients in Crayola markers are water and dye. Though, the nature of this dye and its ingredients are unknown.

are crayons vegan? 

Unless stated outright, many crayons, including those from brands like Crayola, are not vegan. This is because they contain animal byproducts.

For example, Crayola crayons contain stearic acid, which they’ve admitted being animal derived, most likely from beef fat or tallow. This gives the crayons their distinctive smell.

are crayola products cruelty-free? 

It is worth noting that Crayola does not perform animal testing on its products. They instead use alternative sources, such as toxicological reviews and historical databases.

However, it is unclear whether or not Crayola uses ingredients that have been tested on animals.

are there sustainable and vegan marker alternatives?

Unfortunately, not many brands offer vegan marker alternatives. Crayola is far from the only brand that does not explicitly state their ingredients: Many do not! This can make it very hard to determine if a brand is truly vegan or cruelty-free.

According to Double Check Vegan, Chartpak’s ADMarks and Spectra ADMarkers are confirmed vegan, and Copic markers are all vegan, but nothing on their site indicates this. So, I don’t feel comfortable saying they are in fact vegan. 

However, one brand that sells markers (called Ohuhu) says directly on their website their products are 100% vegan (at the bottom of their homepage). They have a wide array of colors to choose from and offer alcohol-based and water-based markers. They even offer refills, which reduces packaging waste.

Keep in mind that the most sustainable thing you can do is use up whatever you have at home before buying new. Or, borrowing from a friend if it’s a one-off project you need them for. 

You can also look into reuse stores and see if you can find secondhand art supplies in one of them. While these items may not be vegan, you will help reduce waste and give something a second life. Art reuse stores will also have many more things than just markers! Think paints, brushes, yarn, etc. 

where to get sustainable art supplies

Just remember, having the vegan label is not the only mark of sustainability: Other things to look for in art brands is if their products are refillable, durable, and/or made using natural materials or ingredients. Even better if their plastic packaging is minimal or nonexistent. 

Here are some sustainable art brands making waves in the industry: 

• Beam Paints: Honors indigenous paintmaking traditions made with natural materials and plastic-free packaging. 
• Eco Kids Art Supplies: Sustainable art supplies with a focus on kids crafts. 
• Natural Earth Paint: Both children and adult fine art supplies made using natural pigments. 

Are there any vegan marker brands or vegan art supply companies you know about? Drop them in the comments below!

The post Are Crayola Markers Vegan? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

Are Crayola Markers Vegan? Here’s What You Need to Know