Even organic businesses are reluctant to implement sustainability. At any rate, this impression remains after our active participation in this year’s BioFach 2018, the world’s largest organic and natural products trade fair. The topic is rarely brought to the fore. It is easy to get the impression that the industry is resting on its laurels. This makes GfaW’s participation in the renowned exhibition all the more important, especially with our sustainability standard CSE.
After all, BioFach’s congress partner now dedicates a separate event section to sustainability. Reason enough for the GfaW to focus on the “Promotion of sustainable purchasing decisions” as part of its own discussion event.
As it turned out, consumers generally overestimate their consumption behavior with regard to “organic” and sustainability. Conclusion: The labeling of sustainable companies and products is an imperative of the times that is not the sole responsibility of economic players.
With expertise and clear demands, the panel clearly advocated state support for sustainability services. Many thanks to our expert speakers Cornelia Dressler (BNN), Hannah Danner (TU Munich), Sebastian Götte (aproxima market and social research institute), Silva Imken (Börlind GmbH) and Dr. Katharina Reuter (UnternehmensGrün).
The fact that the GfaW is not yet finished with another key topic became clear during the tour of the trade fair: colorful packaging with sometimes exaggerated use of materials stands out. It seems as if the industry is desperate to keep up with conventional manufacturers. Where is the much-vaunted confidence of the “greens” that high-quality products will get around and prevail? We’ll stay tuned.
However, our survey at BioFach also uncovered treasures: companies that understand sustainability and integrate it into their business practices. Some are still hiding their sustainability reports in drawers, because who wants to read long reports at a trade fair or even at home? We would like to support all these do-gooders: “If you do good, then talk about it. But in a few words. A seal can be enough”.
At the GfaW stand itself, which we traditionally share with our partners from the EcoControl certification body, a growing number of interested visitors came to find out about the various standards. Attracted by the products on display from our CSE-certified pioneering companies, our new, mysterious “black box” in particular attracted considerable interest: Here, visitors could feel product samples and select them to take away. A somewhat different trade fair experience for many happy stand guests.
Many thanks to all the helpers who were there this year. Thanks to all partners and customers for the close and good cooperation. Many thanks to the speakers for the varied panel discussion.
We look forward to seeing you again – next year at the latest.