While the term natural continues to be disputed, organic is a term that is strictly regulated. In fact, many people are simply not aware of how strict these regulations are and bath and body companies often make claims of their products that are not legally permissible. It is therefore, very important to understand organic certification.
Organic can be defined as of, marked by, or involving the use of fertilizers or pesticides that are strictly of animal or vegetable origin and raised or conducted without the use of drugs, hormones, or synthetic chemicals. Regulations regarding organic products are strictly enforced by the USDA in the United States. The National Organic Program (NOP) by the USDA has a number of agencies that actually certify farmers and sellers of organic materials through a very strict process.
Here is how this affects your bath and body business. You are NOT permitted to use the term organic unless you are certified through the USDA to do so, even when just selling a product. For example, let’s say you make your soap using all organic oils, organic essential oils, and organic herbs for coloring. They are all certified organic ingredients from your favorite supplier. Unless you have become certified to sell organic materials, you are not permitted to call or advertise your soap as organic, except in the product’s ingredient statement (i.e. Ingredients: Almond oil, Organic Lavendula Officinalis (lavender) oil, etc.) You are also permitted to list the percentage of organic ingredients on an informational panel of your product packaging, but not on the primary display panel or main side of the packaging. Failure to follow these rules can result in fines of up to $10,000.
It is important that unless you become a certified organic retailer that you do not use the term organic except in designated areas of your packaging. If you are seeking organic ingredients for your products, look for certified organic suppliers carrying the USDA seal.
Sustainability
Sustainability is another term with no clear cut agreeable definition, and yet it is often used as a buzz word. Basically, it means “to endure.” At the 2005 World Summit it was noted that the term requires the “reconciliation of environmental, social and economic demands - the "three pillars" of sustainability.” All parts are important and lead to sustainability.
A sustainable business, otherwise known as a green business, is a company that leaves no negative impact on the global or local environment, community, society, or economy. Typically, sustainable businesses supply environmentally friendly products and are committed to making business decisions based upon their principles. They strive to ensure that all processes, products, and manufacturing activities adequately address current environmental concerns and that it “meets the needs of the present world without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.”
There are no governing bodies to regulate the term sustainable, green, or eco-friendly. There are non-profit organizations worldwide that are working to develop specific standards for sustainable businesses. However, right now, if you feel that your products are not negatively impacting the environment, society or economy, and your business decisions all support this belief, then you are welcome to advertise your business as such.
Since some of the terms discussed in this article are regulated, you should further educate yourself about the appropriate use of the terms on your packaging and advertisements. For unregulated terms, it is a good practice to educate your customers on how your business meets these terms since many consumers are realizing that these terms are thrown around all too often inappropriately.
For example, if you consider your business to be sustainable or green, state why on your advertisements. Perhaps you use palm oil that is taken from a farm versus the rain forest, or you work with natural lighting in your place of business and run a paperless office. Letting your customers know how or why your products or company meet the requirements, definitions, and in some cases, your view of a term establishes trust and customer loyalty.
Bath Alchemy by The Bonnie Bath Co.
Posts
