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. […]

Advances in mobile technology are increasing the number of consumer products with smart barcodes. Although this development is encouraging more sustainable products, the implications are far reaching that could eventually lead to the demise of some eco-labels. Eco-labels currently play an important role in marking sustainable products. Indeed, green symbols and logos are becoming ubiquitous on foods, cosmetics, […]

Growing consumer demand for sustainable products is leading many ingredients to become de-commoditised. A growing share of food commodities – such as coffee, tea and bananas – are now marketed as value-added (sustainable) products. Organic Monitor finds the same trend is now occurring for ingredients. Sustainable ingredients are gaining currency as growers look at value-added […]

This is the question that most natural & organic cosmetic brands ask themselves, with many thinking they are deserved of the ‘green crown’. Organic Monitor research finds the reality is very different from perception. In its new Natural Cosmetics Brand Assessment report, a chartered chemist analysed the ingredient composition of cosmetic products of over 50 […]

The Asian natural cosmetics market is growing at a fast rate, however the market is blighted by false marketing claims, mislabelling of products and consumer confusion. High consumer demand for ‘chemically clean’ cosmetics is leading many Asian companies to jump on the natural & organic bandwagon. Many new products are making claims such as ‘100% […]