Organic Monitor’s next Masterclass aims to encourage green labels and certification schemes in North America.

Although the number of green standards and labels in the personal care industry has mushroomed in recent years, adoption rates remain low in the US and Canada. Organic Monitor research finds the market value of certified natural and organic personal care products is about $500 million compared to $2.1 billion in Europe.

The Green Labeling Masterclass will take place in San Francisco, CA, USA, on January 23, 2015. It will give an update on green standards, market developments and address the technical issues associated with developing natural and organic personal care products.

The Masterclass program comprises seminars and an interactive workshop. It begins with an update on the most popular natural and organic personal care standards in North America: NPA, NSF ANSI 305 and USDA NOP. Details will be given on the whole foods market Body Care standard, as well as popular schemes in Europe, such as Cosmos and Natrue.

With many brands grappling with standards, a leading organic personal care brand will share its experiences in developing certified products.

Organic Monitor will present its latest findings on the global market for natural and organic personal care products. Global sales are approaching $10 billion, but there are still questions about the industry: What future growth rates lie ahead? How important is the US in the global market? What are the growth openings in the North American and export markets for American brands? As well as future growth projections, major industry challenges will be highlighted.

With some American brands embroiled in lawsuits involving false marketing and mislabeling, an update will also be given on the regulatory landscape for green marketing claims and labeling. Angela Diesch of Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard will give guidance to brands on how to minimize litigation risks and outline strategies to avoid government scrutiny.

Judi Beerling, technical research manager at Organic Monitor, will conduct a workshop on developing natural and organic personal care products. The workshop will tackle the major technical issues of formulating such products. Details will be given on the growing palette of green materials that replace synthetics, such as parabens, SLS/SLES, phthalates and silicones in personal care formulations. Guidance will be given on green formulations, as well as how to address issues concerning product safety, stability, efficacy and costs.

Practical advice will be given to brands looking to develop pure natural and organic personal care products, as well as those looking
to “clean up” existing formulations.

By focusing on the marketing and technical issues associated with green labels and standards, this new Masterclass aims to encourage personal care and ingredient firms to take the green road.