A weekend with exciting workshops, great people and lots of important ideas for the coming period!
It quickly became clear to the participants that the natural cosmetics industry needs to draw a clear line between itself and the non-certified clean or green beauty sector in order to communicate the high standards that only certified natural cosmetics can meet to consumers. Genuine transparency of all ingredients is essential so that consumers can be offered complete clarity.
The natural cosmetics industry will also have to address important sustainability issues in the future, such as sustainable packaging. Here, it is particularly important to educate and encourage consumers on the path to environmentally friendly and reusable or recyclable packaging.
What all participants still lack is an EU-wide clear definition of the term natural cosmetics, similar to the EU Food Regulation. A desirable strategy would be for the major natural cosmetics standards to work more closely together in order to exploit synergies and present a clear position.
Another challenge will be for cosmetic brands to have a stronger presence on social media. Collaborations with influencers can be an important part of this. Marketing one’s own brand is essential, especially in view of the fact that more and more brands, including large corporations that are not originally based in the natural cosmetics sector, are entering the market.
We at GfaW also led a workshop entitled “Sustainability as a corporate strategy” at this year’s Natural Cosmetics Camp. A sustainable corporate strategy is hardly voluntary these days. Many consumers are asking for it and it should be in companies’ best interests to consciously use the earth’s natural and finite resources. Continuous adaptation of business processes is essential in order to integrate sustainability in all its aspects into business practice.
We have a clear vision for the future: the natural cosmetics industry does not have to hide behind self-proclaimed green brands – on the contrary! We at GfaW and the other participants at the camp are convinced that only certified natural cosmetics can be sustainable. This ensures that people, animals and nature are not harmed. Certified natural cosmetics are and will remain the supreme discipline in the cosmetics industry!
