As the dust settles on the Earth Summit (Rio +20), there is a growing realization that the private sector may have to take the lead in certain aspects of sustainable development, such as ethical sourcing and responsible consumption. A major critique of the summit is that the finished document (‘Future We Want’) is largely a […]

New alternative preservation systems for cosmetic products are gaining popularity because of high consumer demand for natural & organic cosmetics, as well as the growing trend of formulators avoiding parabens. Parabens are the most widely used preservatives, present in thousands of personal care products that include moisturisers, shampoos, toothpastes, lubricants, and gels. However, a growing number of formulators are […]

Food authentication techniques are gaining popularity, partly because of growing concerns about fraud involving organic and sustainable foods. Ecovia Intelligence (Organic Monitor) finds this development is encouraging sustainability by providing greater traceability across the supply chain. The market for organic and eco-labelled foods has grown from almost nothing to over USD 60 billion within 20 […]

Cosmetic and personal care companies are investing in sustainability as they look to shore up their green credentials. The beauty industry has historically received negative media publicity for unethical business practices, however green appears to have become the new black. A couple of 2012 industry lists show how far beauty companies have come on the […]

The new equivalency agreement between EU and US organic standards is considered a major milestone for the international organic food industry. The two regions comprise over 90 percent of global sales, however bilateral trade has been hampered by non-recognition of standards. Organic Monitor expects the new trade arrangement to have a significant impact on international trade of organic products. […]