Naturex Launches Sustainability Initiative

Naturex announced its sustainability initiative for its natural ingredients manufacturing operations. As part of the initiative, the company will consider the environmental impact of every stage of its manufacturing process, including research and development and new projects. It will also keep track of its global environmental performance by complying with the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines and reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill by expanding segregation, reuse, and recycling. Naturex also said it plans to expand its use of renewable energy sources and improve energy and treatment processes for waste water and greenhouse gas emissions. The company also pledged to support diversity of farms and agricultural areas.

"Principles of the Naturex Sustainability Program: Environmental Stewardship, Economic Prosperity, and Social Responsibility", Naturex, September 04, 2013

Natura Says Supplier Cooperation Crucial To Sustainability Success

Brazil’s leading cosmetics company Natura said collaboration with suppliers is crucial to ensuring success of a company’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Information provided directly by suppliers can improve the credibility and transparency of a company’s sustainability results and statements, Natura sustainability manager Keyvan Macedo said. Becoming carbon-neutral is a feasible and realistic  target, according to Macedo who also said that there are many ways to mitigate higher production costs brought about by a company’s sustainability efforts.

"Natura says co-operation with suppliers is key to controlling carbon footprint", Cosmetics Design , September 03, 2013

Clorox Launches Online Marketing Campaign For Green Works Line Of Cleaning Products

Clorox Co. launched an online video series called “The Green Housewives” as part of its efforts to drive sales of its Green Works line of household cleaning products. Available on the company’s website, the video series is based on research showing that even environmentally conscious consumers do not want to be perceived by others as holier-than-thou. Market research firm Packaged Facts forecast 5 percent annual growth for the market for environment-friendly cleaning products, which is getting highly competitive as more companies, such as Seventh Generation and Method, release products, while retailers are introducing their private-label cleaners.

"Clorox Spoofs ‘Real Housewives’ as Green Sales Miss Mark: Retail", Bloomberg, September 05, 2013

Unilever Partners With Cambridge Sustainability Group To Search For Young Entrepreneurs With Ideas For Sustainability Innovation

Unilever partnered with the Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership to launch the Unilever Sustainable Living Young Entrepreneur Awards, a competition aimed at inspiring young people worldwide to deal with environmental, social, and health issues. Receiving entries from anyone 30 years old and younger, the awards form part of the partners’ search for innovative but practical and doable solutions for sustainable living. Prizes at stake include €200,000 in cash grants and mentoring services.

"Unilever looks to young entrepreneurs to help make sustainable living commonplace", Unilever, September 02, 2013

Natura Cosméticos Purchases Carbon Credits From Amazon's Indigenous People

Brazil’s cosmetics company Natura Cosméticos purchased 120,000 tons of carbon credits from the Paiter Suruí people of the Amazon. The Paiter Suruí became the first indigenous people to generate carbon credits by saving endangered rainforest using the Verified Carbon Standard for reduced greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation or REDD. Such a deal presents indigenous peoples a sustainable source of revenue and corporations a way to meet their corporate social responsibility requirements.

"Brazilian Cosmetics Giant Buys First Indigenous REDD Credits", Ecosystem Marketplace, September 10, 2013

Unilever Adds Local Elements To Sustainability Initiative In Brazil

Unilever designed its sustainability efforts in Brazil based on social and cultural conditions in the country. While staying committed to the three key principles of the company's global sustainability initiative —sourcing of sustainable resources, focusing the health and wellbeing of the world's population, and providing solutions aimed at alleviating poverty and promote environmental sustainability —the company added local components to the campaign including the way it communicates its sustainability message. For example, Brazilian consumers do not care so much about the carbon footprint of cosmetics and personal care products, according to Unilever Brasil sustainability manager Ligia Camargo.

"Unilever tackles the issue of sustainability in Brazil", Cosmetics Design , September 05, 2013