British cosmetics retailers lauded over palm oil checks by WWF

Published: 8-Dec-2011
Ingredients

But certain continental European retailers come in for criticism

Conservation group WWF has lauded six major British cosmetics retailers for doing all they can to monitor their palm oil-based product sourcing, reducing its environmental impact.

Palm oil has long been a concern of environmentalists worried about clearances of natural habitat in Indonesia and Malaysia to make way for palm oil plantations. And the WWF has been pressing western manufacturers and retailers to ensure that if they use palm oil, it has not come from plantations that have replaced rainforest and other valuable biodiverse natural vegetation.

In its latest Palm Oil Buyers’ Scorecard, the WWF gives full marks to ASDA (Walmart); Boots; Marks & Spencer; The Body Shop; The Co-operative Group; and Waitrose.

“In the UK in particular we see progress,” said WWF palm oil expert Adam Harrison. “Due to several campaigns highlighting the damage caused by the rapid spread of palm plantations, companies see they are under pressure and respond.” No companies scored full marks in WWF’s last assessment, in 2009.

However, this year some other continental European retailers were criticised for refusing to offer information about their palm oil practices – namely Germany’s Aldi Nord and Lidl; Denmark’s Dansk Supermarked Group and SuperGros; plus Finland’s Tradeka. All these companies scored nil points in the WWF palm oil table.
See more

You may also like

You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
Click here to find out more.
Ingredients

Credo Beauty and True Botanicals join programme focused on developing kelp-derived beauty formulas

Read more
Nine beauty brands, including Pamela Anderson’s Sonsie and Krave Beauty, are joining Kelp CoLab – a new initiative aimed at launching formulas and products derived from seaweed

Trending Articles

  1. Estée Lauder Companies unveils new insights into sirtuin and exosome research The US beauty giant presented its research at IMCAS World Congress 2026 – the annual gathering for dermatology, plastic surgery and aesthetics – to reinforce its position as a longevity leader
  2. You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
    Click here to find out more.
    4 predicted K-beauty trends for 2026 Beyond sheet masks and snail mucin, a fresh K-beauty wave is tipped to take off, solidifying South Korea’s global beauty dominance
  3. Digital nails that change colour in seconds debut at CES 2026 iPolish’s patented technology incorporates electrophoretic nanopolymers in acrylic press-on nails, letting wearers change the shade as often as they want
  4. You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
    Click here to find out more.
    Exclusive: L’Oréal enters nutricosmetics with Vichy’s first collagen supplement The beauty giant’s dermocosmetics brand is launching its first clinically tested nutricosmetic – Vichy Laboratoires Liftactiv Collagen Supplements – which claims to support collagen synthesis. It has been co-developed with dermatologists and nutritionists
  5. John Frieda relaunches with ‘bold new vision’ including new formulas and packaging Hair care brand John Frieda’s owner Kao is betting on new formulas, fragrance and refreshed packaging for growth

Upcoming event

Sustainability & Green Chemistry: From Claims to Credible Impact

26 February and 5 March 2026 | Virtual See all

You may also like

You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
Click here to find out more.
Ingredients

Credo Beauty and True Botanicals join programme focused on developing kelp-derived beauty formulas

Nine beauty brands, including Pamela Anderson’s Sonsie and Krave Beauty, are joining Kelp CoLab – a new initiative aimed at launching formulas and products derived from seaweed
Ingredients

Inspiration 2026, Gattefossé launches its new Haute Couture formula collection

For its new INSPIRATION edition, Haute Couture, Gattefossé unveils a cosmetic runway inspired by iconic fabrics. From the fluidity of silk to the enveloping softness of cashmere, each formula is a unique creation designed to enhance the skin like a “second‑skin” garment
Ingredients

Solabia agrees to acquire Mibelle Biochemistry

Mibelle Biochemistry offers a science-backed portfolio spanning skin beauty, healthy aging, hair care and cognitive support, with distribution in more than 50 countries
Ingredients

Estée Lauder Companies unveils new insights into sirtuin and exosome research

The US beauty giant presented its research at IMCAS World Congress 2026 – the annual gathering for dermatology, plastic surgery and aesthetics – to reinforce its position as a longevity leader
Ingredients

How new science reinforces Naolys’ soothing best-seller

For more than 15 years, Soothing Light Apple tree has been Naolys’ best-selling active for sensitive skin. New 7-day clinical and AI-based evaluation highlight fast-acting benefits, while additional studies confirm complete skin barrier reinforcement
Ingredients

New data reveal the power of Argireline YOUth peptide in lipstick applications

Lubrizol, a global leader in advanced beauty ingredients, unveils new efficacy data for Argireline YOUth peptide, now formulated for lipsticks
Ingredients

Inolex earns the top award for its AminoSensyl Ultra MB technology

Henkel Consumer Brands presented Inolex with its “Best Innovation Contributor 2025” award
Subscribe now