The beauty industry is cleaning up its image by investing in a raft of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & sustainability initiatives. Beauty companies have historically received much criticism for unethical and non-environmentally friendly business practices that include animal testing, unsustainable sourcing and chemical pollution. However, pressure from consumers, the media and retailers such as Wal-Mart with its Sustainability […]

Organic food companies are increasingly turning to sustainability in order to shore up their green credentials. Organic Monitor research finds that organic food pioneers are leading the way, with a growing number of companies marketing their products on sustainability values. Slowing market growth rates and rising consumer expectations are having an impact on organic food […]

One of the most difficult decisions a company can make is how to market its products on sustainability values. Overemphasis on ethical & ecological credentials can lead to detailed corporate scrutiny and accusations of greenwashing. At the same time, not responding to consumer demand for sustainable products can lead to product withdrawal and business failure. […]

Shiseido has made a dramatic entry into the natural cosmetics market by acquiring Bare Escentuals, an American producer of mineral cosmetics. In a deal worth US $1.7 billion, it is the Japanese cosmetic firm’s biggest acquisition and the largest deal in the natural cosmetics industry. Bare Escentuals is being bought for $18.20 a share, a 41 […]

A growing number of Asian natural cosmetic companies are adopting natural & organic cosmetic standards to differentiate their products from competing ones. New research by Organic Monitor finds a growing number of Asian companies are taking the certification route, with most opting for European standards. The Ecocert standard is the most widely adopted, with companies […]