The awards, which have run for three years now, recognize innovation in products across several categories: beauty and skin care, health and nutrition, natural living, organic non-food, natural food, and natural drink.
New products in each category are showcased at the event and attendees, natural and organic industry experts, vote to select the winners.
Not a new company
Natural cosmetics company Lavera, launched 27 years ago, manufactures it products in Hanover, Germany, and distributes those products internationally through a network of partnerships in over 40 countries. The company prides itself on using organic ingredients.
As the naturals market in Germany grows, Lavera has become more active marketing to the mainstream consumer. In 2013, for instance, the company ran a television advertising campaign for the first time.
New hand cream
Products that are eligible for an Innovation Award must have debuted with in the twelve months prior to the Natural Products Scandinavia tradeshow.
The award winning Lavera Regenerated Hand Cream features cranberry extract and argan oil, and the ingredients list includes nearly 2 dozen other elements, several of which are organically sourced.
Rivals
Natural Liquid Hand Soap from Probiosan Laboratory, Dr Organic Snail Gel Facial Serum from Optima Health, Shakti Goddess Skin Care, and several other products were in competition for the Innovation Award in the beauty and skincare category.
The Marvellous Mummy Kit from Love Boo was named runner up in the category based on attendee votiong. The kit contains 4 items intended for new or expecting mothers: a bath soak, body wash, skin oil and moisturizer. The company manufactures its products in the UK and uses only what it has deemed as “kind ingredients.” According to Love Boo’s website that meansno parabens, petrochemicals, sulphates, synthetic colours, triethanolamine, or diethanolamine. This was the first year the company exhibited at the tradeshow.
Safety and ethics
German cosmetics consumers have become increasingly concerned about the ingredients in the products they use. In August the German-based NGO Friends of the Earth launched an Android version of its popular ToxFox app. The technology lets consumers discover product-specific ingredients for tens of thousands of distinct personal care products.
A 2013 study found that one third of cosmetics available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland likely comprise chemicals that potentially disrupt the body’s endocrine system. And so, the app was launched.