The debate, entitled ‘Going beyond Natural and Organic: How biodiversity is transforming the cosmetics industry’ will examine biodiversity’s impact on the industry.
Biodiversity needs to be protected
Although plant-based ingredients are frequently used in cosmetics, a report from the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) revealed in 2008 that few companies involved in the sourcing of such ingredients adhere to all, if any, of the convention’s requirements.
The findings are of particular importance, as if the issue is ignored, it could ultimately lead to the loss of biodiversity.
“[Biodiversity] is being lost at such an alarming rate that unless halted, there is likely to be a significant impact on the industry and consumers alike,” said in-cosmetics director, Richard Hesk.
“Although there has been significant progress made in the natural and organic sector, over the past few years, awareness of biodiversity’s value and importance is still relatively limited,” he added.
Roundtable to tackle range of issues
Awareness of biodiversity is just one of the topics to be discussed in the roundtable debate, which is being moderated by Eduardo Escobedo, economic affairs officer at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Additional subjects to be tackled include bio-prospecting, intellectual property and issues relating to legal compliance such as regulations, standards and certification.
As well as Jouanno, the panel of experts will include Rik Kutsch Lojenga, the executive director of the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), Carole Pelle, manager of raw materials and sustainable development at L’Oreal, and Marcos Vaz, director of sustainability at Natura.
The biodiversity roundtable is taking place at 1pm on 14 April at the in-cosmetics show. For more information about the show, please visit the in-cosmetics website.