According to Nature, speaking at its Members Assembly this month, the increasing demand for natural and organic cosmetics is reflected in its rising certification figures.
The Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association says that almost 40% more products have been certified in the first quarter 2014 compared to the corresponding period last year and that over 3.800 products and over 250 raw materials are currently certified.
Figures show that more than 100 new products are Natrue certified each month.
Importance
The organisation says that a definition for natural and organic cosmetics is still missing at European and international level, and it is committed to establishing a formal definition acceptable to consumers and manufacturers alike.
"Natrue is recognized as a key player in the natural and organic cosmetics sector. The figures illustrate a rethinking process amongst manufacturers and consumers. Strict requirements such as set in the Natrue criteria are becoming ever more important. Consumers want a guide to orientate themselves in their buying decisions", says Klara Ahlers, NatruePresident.
"Manufacturers are using the Natrue Label to clearly differentiate themselves from the so-called ‘nature inspired' products which are far from the actual consumers' needs.”
Members Assembly
Ahlers was speaking at the organisation’s Members Assembly, where more than 50 representatives of member companies and partners, journalists and other interested people informed themselves about the status quo, market and sector trends as well as current projects of Natrue.
At the event, 20 new members were welcomed, demonstrating the need of an international association.
Companies gathered from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Poland, the UK, Sweden, Switzerland and the US.