Packaging
Look for: The biodegradable or recyclable nature of packaging.
If a product has lots of plastic packaging and packing, chances are the company is not really interested in being environmentally responsible. Look for products that come without excess packaging or, if they do, use a simple recyclable cardboard box. We do not consider any product that is destined for landfill as environmentally friendly.
Plastic: A number of companies are now offering products made with 100% post consumer recycled plastic. Some have been enhanced with a product called EcoPure, to enhance biodegradability.
Organic Certification
Look for: Genuine standards
There is no universal standard for “certified organic”. Every organic certification processor has a different set of standards and a different list of what they will allow in a product and what they prohibit. It’s also an expensive process, which deters many brands (with product made from 70 – 100% organic ingredients) and suppliers (with genuine organic ingredients) who don’t have the budget to go through the certification process, or who question the efficacy of the process.
Australian Certified Organic
The local standard in Australia is recognised as one of the most stringent in the world. In Australia this includes no synthetic ingredients at all (including no nature identical). According to ACO, in Australia, for a product to be able to call itself certified organic, it must contain at least 95 percent organic content. Again the formula should be free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, genetic modification and petroleum derivatives. If in doubt, always check for the logo from an accredited certifier. Accredited organic certifiers: ACO (Australia), OFC (Australia), Ecocert (Europe), USDA Organic (US), NASAA (Australia), Demeter (Australia), TOP (Australia) and Soil Association (UK).
Ingredients
Look for: The absence of ingredient listed below.
The absence of GMO, parabens, phenoxyethanol, nanoparticles, silicon, PEG, synthetic perfumes and dyes, animal-derived ingredients (unless naturally produced by them: milk, honey, etc.).
N.B Some ingredients very frequently found in cosmetics (water, salts, minerals) cannot be certified as organic because they are not sourced from farming. For example, shampoos and some creams, mostly composed of water, contain between 10% and 40% organic ingredients, and always 95% natural ingredients. An essential oil, which does not contain water, can be up to 100% organic ingredients.
Animal testing
Look for: No animal testing at all.
Always check for a No Animal Testing claim on products. Companies who use organic ingredients but test on animals may not be everything they claim to be.
HOSPITALITY PRODUCTS
Below are examples of the types of products currently available. Please let us know if you have more recommendations.
DISCLAIMER: We do not endorse any particular product. The following are examples of the types of products that are available.
LATHER
Available in 30ml tubes and 60ml bottles. Made with 100% post consumer recycled water bottles and enhanced with EcoPure, LATHER delivers their product in a more environment-friendly package than many others.
Paraben-free
DEA/TEA-free
Free of synthetic colours and fragrances
Biodegradable formulations
Propylene Glycol free
Never tested on animals
PHARMACOPIA
“Made with post consumer recycled bottles and all materials are recyclable. Contains certified organic ingredients. No animal by-products, no honey, lanolin or beeswax Paraben and toxin-free: No synthetic fragrances, fillers or colours.”
ECO BOUTIQUE
ECO BOUTIQUE seeks to address the problematic issue of plastic waste, the demand for natural ingredients and gentle skin-friendly products.
The recyclable bottles are 97% derived from post-consumer recycled plastic, and the soap is wrapped in paper from a sustainable source. The formulations contain organically certified extracts of green tea, and natural aloe leaf and are gently scented with Mimosa.
Products DO NOT CONTAIN: SLS, SLES, Parabens, DEA, Paraffin Oil, Artificial Colours, Silicones, GM ingredients.
AQUAMENITIES
AQUAMENITIES has created a soap shampoo dispenser fixture designed to provide accommodation properties with a solution to help reach sustainability goals.
The tamper-resistant fixture also allows hoteliers to feature a choice of branded and customized amenities for guests while helping to limiting the properties’ carbon footprint.
