Sign the European Citizens’ Initiative to save bees and farmers

People can still support the initiative with their signatures until the end of September. From 1 million signatures the European institutions must consider turning the campaign's demands into law.

Sonett: Growing for the Common Good

Eco-pioneer Sonett is one of the German market leaders in organic detergents and cleaning products. But the manufacturer also sets standards in its dealings with employees and its attitude towards company property and capital.  

Organic World Congress 2021 digital and on site

Representatives of the organic sector will meet for the 20th Organic World Congress this time from 6 to 10 September 2021 in Rennes, France, and digitally. The hybrid conference will focus on current issues in global organic agriculture.

Will cosmetics manufacturers soon have to list 87 fragrances on their packaging?

In future, 87 allergenic fragrances are to be declared in cosmetic products instead of the previous 26. This is part of a regulation that the EU Commission is currently working on. What is disputed is where the allergens should be listed.

Veganz closes equity round with new investors

The plant-based food specialist has raised fresh capital and plans to build the largest vegan production facility in Europe. The initial public offering is coming up soon.

"Carbon Pricing for Food" campaign appeals to heads of state worldwide

A global coalition of companies and organisations has launched an ambitious action: in an open letter, 50 world leaders call for a carbon tax on meat and dairy products.

Switzerland: Is the retail trade keeping organic prices high?

"Organic is stuck in the luxury niche" writes the NZZ, blaming Swiss retailers and their pricing. The latter rejects this - and remains silent about its margins.

Lidl now also tests Eco-Score in Belgium and the Netherlands

After the test launch in Germany, the discounter is now introducing the eco-label on a test basis in the two Benelux countries. The company's goal is to introduce a comprehensible sustainability label.

Virtual European Sustainable Cosmetics Summit and Sustainable Beauty Awards 2021

On 25-28th October 2021, the European Sustainable Cosmetics Summit take place online for the second time. Stakeholders from the cosmetics and beauty sector will discuss about green materials, new technologies, marketing and customer impacts. The Sustainable Beauty Awards will be hosted alongside the conference.

Corona fuels organic sales in the USA

Organic products also sold particularly well in the United States in the Corona year. The Organic Trade Association reports double-digit growth. Above all, fresh produce increased.

Weleda AG elects new Chairman of the Board of Directors

Paul Mackay did not stand for re-election as President. His post will be taken over by Thomas Jorberg, who has been a member of the board for one year.

Austria: Demeter and Spar cooperate

The organic growers' association Demeter has entered into a partnership with Spar in Austria. Demeter hopes to reach more people with the help of the food retail chain.

How pesticide findings on organic food can be explained

Again and again, traces of pesticides are found on organic food. This is rarely the fault of the farmers. The FIBL has carried out more detailed research on this on behalf of Bio Suisse.

Oxfam: German supermarkets continue to pay starvation wages

Corona flushed a double-digit increase in sales into the coffers of German retail chains. But on the plantations, wages remain below subsistence level. In Brazil, workers had to buy their own protective masks.

National authorities see no acute danger from glyphosate

On 15 December 2022, the EU-wide authorisation for glyphosate expires. The manufacturers have already applied for a renewal - and are now getting support from national authorities. Yet more and more new studies speak against the herbicide active ingredient.

Packaging: Disposable plastic tableware is now banned

Two packaging regulations came into force on 3 July. Among other things, the marketing of disposable plastic cutlery is prohibited by law. In addition, manufacturers must label certain products as containing plastic.

European organic vineyards grow dynamically

In the Corona year 2020, sales of organic wine made big leaps. For organic viticulture, 2019 was already a record year. France continues to lead the industry.

European Organic Congress 2021: What the organic sector can do for the European Green Deal

Europe is facing massive ecological transformations within all sectors. The EU wants to pave the way by implementing its Green Deal. The role of organics in this was discussed at the 15th European Organic Congress.

Rejection of environmental initiatives: Swiss population votes against more organics

With a double "no" vote against a pesticide ban and stricter drinking water protection, the Swiss have rejected two initiatives. The result of the vote is also a success for the country's organic associations.

Vivatis acquires majority stake of Wojnar

The Austrian food group Vivatis wants to expand its fresh convenience sector as majority owner of the traditional Viennese company Wojnar. The Austrian Federal Competition Authority still has to approve the purchase.