Sectors

African magic mixed with cutting edge green technology

Elizabeth Dlamini, herbalist and skincare adviser to a whole of local women, has skin that glows. She beams as she explains why. “Here in the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland we proud of our plants that we use in our traditional beauty regimes. Our grandmothers taught us how to prepare cosmetics from the oil of the Marula nut”. Now, Ubuntu Natural is bringing Swaziland’s best-kept beauty secret to the international cosmetics market.

Sharing the benefits arising from the use of biodiversity in cosmetics

Relying on the natural ingredients it sources in Brazil for its cosmetic product manufacturing and R&D, Natura has engaged in strong partnerships with local communities, who are not only compensated for the supply of raw ingredients, but also rewarded for their knowledge through benefit sharing.

Responsible sourcing of argan Oil

L’Oréal is a world leading cosmetics company created in 1909 in Paris, France. It employs 67,500 people in 130 countries and operates 42 factories and 63 warehouses around the world. In 2008, the company invested approximately $763 million Canadian in Research and Development. The company’s prestigious brand portfolio of over 25 brands encompasses all aspects of beauty. L’Oréal Canada was founded in 1958 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of L’Oréal Group. The company employs 1,200 people and in addition to its headquarters in Montreal, it operates a logistics center, a training center and an industrial facility which manufactures professional hair care products.

Cosmetics Valley

http://www.cosmetic-valley.com/en/main.php

Cosmetics Valley is a France-based industry group that has produced a charter for eco-responsibility. This includes commitments to generic environmental actions such as reduced waste, pollution, and energy consumption, as well as the preservation of biodiversity.

International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups (ICBG)

http://www.icbg.org/

The ICBG program aims to integrate improvement of human health through drug discovery, creation of incentives for conservation of biodiversity, and promotion of scientific research and sustainable economic activity that focus on environment, health, equity, and democracy. The Biodiversity Program of the ICBG awards bio-prospecting projects that include efforts to survey biodiversity, preserve traditional medicine practices, ensure sustainable harvesting, and promote long-term funding for biodiversity conservation in the host countries.

ECOCERT

http://www.ecocert.com/en

France-based international organic certification organisation that primarily certifies food and food products, but also cosmetics and perfumes. They promote the use of natural substances and provide standards for natural and organic cosmetics which includes those related to waste and pollution, as well as the protection of natural habitats and threatened species.

Natural Products Association Sseal

http://www.npainfo.org/

US-based association that has a standard and certification programme for personal care products that provides a set of guidelines on certified natural and sustainable ingredients.

Cosmetics Organic Standard

http://www.cosmos-standard.org/

The Cosmetics Organic Standard is a Europe-wide harmonized cosmetic standard. It provides standards related to organic production and minimal pollution / waste throughout the supply chain of cosmetic products, and includes reference to CITES.  Also provided are labeling and technical guidelines.