NATRUE announces Natural Cosmetics Week

NATRUE is launching its first-ever Natural Cosmetics Week, running from 23-29 November 2024. This global initiative is set to raise awareness about the benefits of natural cosmetics – for both people and planet – and encourage a deeper commitment to sustainability within the beauty industry.

This week-long celebration, themed ‘Embrace Nature, Empower Your Skin,’ will highlight the beauty and benefits of natural and organic ingredients in cosmetic products. It will focus on promoting awareness, education, and good practices within the industry, while underscoring the role of sustainability in our industry and inspiring eco-friendly practices to enhance skin health.

NATRUE is inviting everyone to participate and join in celebrating the power of nature in beauty. Brands, retailers, beauty professionals and consumers are all welcome to be involved — whether by hosting a webinar, organising an interactive workshop, or opening your company’s doors for a behind-the-scenes tour. Retailers are being encouraged to create colourful promotional displays at point of sale, while brands can showcase their commitment to natural cosmetics through bespoke promotional activities.

There will be various activities and campaigns taking place during Natural Cosmetics Week, which will shine a spotlight on the benefits of truly natural and sustainable beauty products. In addition, educational workshops and webinars will be held, focusing on the benefits of natural ingredients and sustainable beauty practices.

Natural Cosmetics Week 2024 is a unique opportunity to elevate the conversation around natural beauty products and practices. Together, let’s inspire a deeper connection with nature and encourage people to #ChooseTrueBeauty by embracing natural alternatives that empower both their skin and the planet. Click HERE to find out how you can get involved.

OF&G CEO announces resignation after a decade in role

Roger Kerr has announced that he is to leave his position as CEO at Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G).

Roger leaves the role after 10 years leading the UK organic certification body, and the Board is now seeking to appoint a successor. Roger is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will remain in post until a successor is appointed.

Chairman of OF&G’s Board, Richard Thompson, expressed his thanks for Roger’s commitment to the organic sector and recognised his impact and influence, commenting: “Roger has been instrumental in OF&G’s growth in stature and recognition as the organic certifier responsible for certifying over half of the UK’s overall organic land area. He has remained true to organic’s core principles, delivering high quality certification services while championing the sector and taking a pragmatic approach to protecting the interests of the organic farming community. As a highly respected figure within the wider agricultural industry, I’d personally like to express my gratitude for Roger’s hard work, leadership and accomplishments.”

Roger added: “I’m incredibly proud of what OF&G and all that the team has achieved, but now is the time for me to explore other personal business and consultancy opportunities. I am also looking forward to finding more time to spend with my family and grandchildren. I would like to extend my thanks to my exceptional team and to the OF&G Board for their guidance and support.”

Fairtrade calls on next UK Government to ensure trade policy works for people and planet

The Fairtrade Foundation has urged the next UK government to ensure trade policy works for people and planet as it unveiled its manifesto ahead of the General Election.

The Fairtrade Foundation has launched the manifesto, calling on the next UK government to build fairness and resilience for producers and consumers.

Alexander Carnwath, Head of Public Affairs at the Fairtrade Foundation, commented: “It’s just over a week before the UK public head to the polls, and it’s crucial that following the election, the next government builds a fairer and more resilient trade system that works better for both UK consumers and those who produce much of our food in low-income countries.

“The UK imports almost half its food, with 16 per cent coming from countries exposed to climate change and lacking the capacity to adapt and respond. In recent years, we’ve seen how global events can have a massive impact on UK food supplies, with the cost of some of our favourite food products soaring and increasingly difficult conditions for farmers overseas. We urgently need to invest for the future, building fair and strong trading partnerships, with businesses working for people and planet, that will ensure the ongoing availability of our food in the face of a changing climate.

“The next UK government – whichever party or parties make it up – should commit to publishing a trade strategy that addresses the key links between trade, development and environmental sustainability and supports the UK to meet objectives across all three. It should also address UK competition law to provide support for innovations in the area of pre-competitive collaboration between businesses, through initiatives such as Fairtrade’s Shared Impact, to support environmental and development objectives.”

The Fairtrade Foundation election manifesto has three key asks:

• Develop trade policy that works for people and planet. These policies must improve resilience for the small holder farmers and workers producing food overseas and support innovative business approaches to enhance environmental and social sustainability.
• Legislate to ensure responsible business. The legislation must ensure that businesses address human rights and environmental violations in supply chains, including deforestation, while taking full account of the needs of farmers and workers.
• Strengthen UK aid by responding to the needs and priorities of farmers and workers who make a crucial contribution to the global food system.