The South African government has withdrawn a controversial cannabis ban, three weeks after it was implemented, acknowledging the need for consultation with stakeholders and the public on the proposals. The department of health had quietly effected the ban on the sale, import and manufacturing of all foodstuffs containing parts of the cannabis plant, including hemp, […]
Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Look to Diversify
Indonesia. the world’s largest producer of palm oil, is looking to diversify into new markets following Trump’s tariffs. According to industry reports, Indonesian palm oil companies are actively exploring new markets in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to mitigate potential losses from the US market. Despite a temporary 90-day pause in implementing the 32% tariffs, […]
Melvita Expanding in Asian Market
Melvita, the organic cosmetics brand owned by the L’Occitane Group, is reporting high sales growth in the Asian market. The brand has reported a 20% sales increase overall, with the highest increase (33%) in the Chinese market, and 15% growth in the Asian market. It has also reported 15% growth in its domestic (French) market. […]
Amorepacific Looking to Start US Production
Amorepacific, South Korea’s leading cosmetics company and a pioneer of many sustainability initiatives in the region, is accelerating plans to establish manufacturing capabilities in the US. The new US tariffs are raising questions about the company’s Asia-centric production model. On April 14, Kim Seung-hwan, CEO of Amorepacific, revealed in an interview with Bloomberg TV that […]
Sustainable Castor Programme Increases Yields
BASF has reported a significant increase in castor yields in its sustainable castor programme. Castor beans play an important role in the chemical industry where castor oil and derivatives are used as raw materials in the production of plastics, coatings and paints, pharmaceuticals and other materials. Founded in May 2016 by BASF, speciality chemicals company […]