We caught up with Amarjit Sahota, founder and president of Organic Monitor, and Dr Barbara Olioso, founder of The Green Chemist Consultancy, for a discussion on sustainable sourcing of natural ingredients.
Hear what they had to say with regard to the current situation; what they think will affect the future outlook; as well as a comment on some of the devastating effects that sourcing can have, and how companies can work on this going forward.
Speaker bios:
Amarjit Sahota
Amarjit is the founder and president of London-based specialist research Organic Monitor, and has degrees in Applied Chemistry and Management Science, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing. He has co-authored a number of books on sustainability and organic products. His latest publication is called Sustainability: Greening of the Cosmetics Industry (2014).
Amarjit has assisted a wide range of clients in realising their business potential in these industries. His clients range from multinationals, government organizations, to dedicated sustainable product companies. The client list of Organic Monitor includes Aveda, Weleda, Hain Celestial, Burt’s Bees, Organic Valley, TetraPak, and the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
His research and analysis has been quoted extensively in the media, including The Financial Times, The Independent, Forbes, Fortune, BBC World Service, Chemist & Druggist, Food Chemical News, The Straits Times, South China Morning Post, CNBC News, Nordic Business Report and Asian Business; and he regularly delivers papers at international events.
Dr Barbara Olioso
Dr Barbara Olioso is a doctor of chemistry with a passion and scientific interest in plant botanicals and sustainability applied to cosmetic products.
She has been formulating and specialising in natural and organic beauty products since 1999, developing skin care, hair care and sanitising hand gels for SMEs.
She also launched her own brand, Forest Secrets Skincare, giving her a rare and broad understanding of the brand development as well as product development processes.
In 2005 she was behind the launch of the first certified organic eau de toilette with Primavera Aromatherapy. She is experienced in using several international standards such as Soil Association, Organic Food Federation, BDIH and ICEA.
She also holds a master in Food Science and Technology and has experience in formulating nutritional drinks and teaches internationally about natural and organic cosmetics formulations, including a course on natural alternatives to parabens and how to formulate for the new Cosmos standards.
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