Organic Monitor has predicted that 2008 will be a defining year for the natural cosmetics industry, with several agencies and brands adopting new standards.
Central to this development is the introduction of a European standard for natural and organic cosmetics. The leading certification bodies in Europe will introduce the standard in June, the result of over a year of work, and it will give certified natural and organic products a uniform logo for the first time. Organic Monitor has speculated that this introduction could pave the way for EU regulations for natural and organic cosmetics.
In addition to the development of European standards there has been a surge in proliferation, as private standards introduce by certification agencies, industry groups and retailers, according to Organic Monitor. Activity has been particularly prevalent in North America, with NSF International unveiling its standards this spring, and the Organic and Sustainability Industry Standards (OASIS) being introduced by a trade group that includes Aveda and owner of natural brand Jason, Hain Celestial.
Other private standards are being created by Toronto-based Certech Registration, NaTrue, and Whole Foods Market, which has announced its Premium Body Care Standard. In the UK Boots developed its own standard for its Botanics Organics launch last year.
The introduction of so many standards is predicted to lead to further confusion for the consumer, according to Organic Monitor, who foresees consumers unable to distinguish between so many logos and symbols on natural and organic cosmetic products.
In other news, the controversial European Commission organic logo, which was to be used on all organic food in Europe by 2009, has been scrapped, forcing the launch date back by up to a year. The big question is what does this spell for natural and organic cosmetics?