NATRUE recently showcased its expertise and celebrated a vibrant array of NATRUE-certified brands at Natural & Organic Products Europe (NOPEX) 2024, UK’s leading sustainable business event. Held in London from 14 to 15th April, NOPEX drew over 6,200 attendees across the two days, reaffirming its status as the UK’s largest trade show.
At this year’s edition, NATRUE provided visitors with a unique opportunity to explore a curated selection of NATRUE-certified brands. Attendees had the chance to discover, evaluate and experience products from renowned brands such as Kappus, Dr. Bronners, Weleda, Hemptouch, Primavera, Moricare, Circly!, Trilogy, Studio Botanic, Babyduft, Happy Earth, Essabo, AEOS, Dr. Hauschka, and 4peoplewhocare.
The event also served as a platform for attendees to engage with experts in the natural and organic cosmetics industry. Notably, Dr. Mark Smith, NATRUE’s Director General and Co-Chair of the UK’s Sustainable Beauty Coalition (SBC), participated in a compelling panel discussion on Monday, 15th April. Moderated by Jayn Sterland (CEO, Weleda UK), the panel, which included his fellow SBC colleagues Jessie Baker (Founder and CEO of sustainability platform Provenance.org) and Victoria Brownlie (Chief Policy Officer at the British Beauty Council), delved into the theme “Empowering the Green Transition: “Navigating the greenwash, policy, guidelines, and tools for a sustainable, planet-positive future. Will your business pass the test?!”
During the discussion, Dr. Smith emphasized the importance of a pre-competitive space, highlighting the collaborative efforts between NATRUE and SBC to drive meaningful social and business impacts. Addressing the challenges faced by the EU and UK, the panel touched upon various issues such as the cost of living influencing retail areas, upcoming legislative changes, the impact of elections, and the need for innovative solutions amidst economic crises. They also discussed the pressing concerns of plastic pollution, certification standards, and the significant issue of greenwashing, where 53% of claims are found to be inaccurate[1].
Panellists encouraged citizens to join campaigns and put pressure on retailers and manufacturers to promote accurate and transparent practices. Together, they emphasized the role of retailers as crucial connectors within the industry stating, “Retailers are important places to offer information to consumers in a consistent and truthful way, so consumers can have the correct information to make good choices.” Additionally, the panellists underscored the benefits and advantages of third-party certification and private standards in shaping a sustainable future.
Moving forward, NATRUE remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting natural and organic cosmetics, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change within the industry.