The GfaW working groups met again in Kassel to discuss the current status of the standards. The exchange on the standards took place on March 27 and 28 at the Anthroposophical Center and was very well attended this year. The standard setter welcomed many new companies to the working groups.
New raw materials & processes are discussed
The GMO issue was once again a very important topic in the “Organic raw materials” working group. The standard setter had invited a representative of the Hessian Ministry of the Environment to discuss this complex topic, who provided insights into the political and legal framework for genetic engineering. The working group consists of users of the NCP and NCS product standards and is particularly concerned with the selection of the most sustainable, organic raw materials – raw materials and processes are regularly included or rejected from the standard. The voices from the working group were clear: the standard setter’s strict ecological approach is the right one. The NATURE THANX standard, which covers products from the care-supporting cosmetics sector, was also presented at the event.
Practical impulses from companies for companies
The “Living Sustainability” working group is made up of representatives from companies that use the CSE standard and are therefore among the most sustainable companies worldwide. On March 28, internal content relating to the standard was discussed, which will make the CSE standard much easier to use in the future. To this end, the basic structure of the outline of the CSE standard was also changed. The CSE company ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND provided the working group with valuable input on the topic of sustainable, recycled packaging. Following the presentation, there was a lively discussion about the current possibilities and limitations of using alternative packaging materials and introducing deposit systems. The atmosphere at both meetings was very productive and informal. All participants were united by the same desire to offer products that are as ecological and valuable as possible. Although the GfaW ultimately determines the content of the standards, these meetings and the exchange of opinions are very important in order to obtain synergy effects from everyone’s expertise. The GfaW would like to thank all visitors for their interesting contributions and impulses. A press release with more detailed explanations of the results will follow shortly.