A recent briefing paper by a non-governmental organisation, African Centre for Biosafety, lists several instances of suspected biopiracy. One of the cases mentioned involves Serdex, a division of Bayer Santé Familiale and a member of the Union for Ethical BioTrade.

Read the Unions response here.

The Union for Ethical BioTrade has launched a formal revision process for its standard, currently used by members as a roadmap for achieving greater social, environmental, and economic sustainability. The Union announced the revision phase in early July and is actively encouraging all stakeholders to participate in this consultation process in an effort to further the institution's objectives to promote the 'Sourcing with Respect' of biodiversity ingredients. A special effort is underway to obtain business feedback on the standard.

Read the press release on the Union's call for participation.

Membership to the International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labelling (ISEAL) Alliance was granted to the Union for Ethical BioTrade on 24 June 2009 making it the first organisation, without a connection to a founding member, to obtain full membership since ISEAL's establishment. The Union joins ISEAL's members as a leader in its field committed to creating solid and credible standard systems.

Read the press release for more information on what membership to ISEAL means for the Union for Ethical BioTrade. 

Cattle-based by-products sourced from the Amazon and used in beauty ingredients, such as gelatin, are contributing to the destruction of the Amazon's natural ecosystem, according to environmental advocacy group, Greenpeace. Entitled "Slaughtering The Amazon," the report shows that the cattle sector in the Amazon is the single largest driver of global deforestation, thereby making Brazil the world's leading CO₂ polluter; approximately 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions are the result of tropical deforestation.

These recent findings could severely implicate many popular brands as their linkages to widespread deforestation in the Amazon are revealed. The report uncovers how cattle by-products from ranches involved in illegal deforestation, the invasion of indigenous lands, and slavery in Brazil are tracked back to the supply chains of top brands, such as Tesco, Gucci, and Kraft. And while it is difficult to measure the exact impact that the beauty sector has on the sourcing of cattle-based by-products, Greenpeace has indicated that the industry's effect is significant.

Along with beauty products, the report also names pharmaceutical and personal care companies as significant players in the sourcing of such Amazonian-based ingredients.  According to report co-author, Judy Rodrigues, Greenpeace is working to "encourage companies to be more thorough about their sourcing, ensuring greater accountability and choice for consumers."

For more information on Slaughtering The Amazon, view the full Greenpeace report. A view from the cosmetics industry perspective is also accessible via Cosmetics Design-Europe.com.

Cosmetics companies are expected to increasingly pursue ethical strategies in the coming months, as recently reported by Mintel. According to the research firm, 'extreme ethical' trends are expected to be on the rise in 2009 as the cosmetics industry works to reposition itself as advocates and leaders of social change.  Through implementing sustainable production processes, along with reducing waste and carbon footprints, these companies are looking to meet rising consumer demands for ethical products. And it's not just niche natural or organic beauty brands anymore, says Mintel; larger companies, like Clarins and The Body Shop, are now part of the trend as well. This latest study echoes the findings of a Union for Ethical BioTrade-commissioned survey, conducted by IPSOS, which revealed that 87% of respondents would favor ethically sourced products when shopping for cosmetics. This striking majority is just one example among many that speaks to a distinct emerging pattern: consumers want to know more about the issues and companies in the sector are now looking to respond to this demand, or risk losing customers. For many in the industry, the choice is clear.

For more coverage on the issue, visit Cosmetics Design-Europe.

The Union for Ethical BioTrade has announced the launch of its Ethical BioTrade Community Programme aimed at supporting the deeper engagement of local and indigenous communities in the ethical sourcing of biodiversity. The effective implementation of Ethical BioTrade principles in local and indigenous communities will contribute to efforts to achieve global conservation and the development objectives established by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). In conjunction with the programme's launch, the Union for Ethical BioTrade is announcing its first call for applications for Ethical BioTrade Community Grants. Proposals are now being solicited from Union Trading Members or applicant Trading Members for community sourcing projects.

View the press release associated with the programme's launch, or browse the Union for Ethical BioTrade site dedicated to the Ethical BioTrade Community Grants.

The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) was celebrated in a record number of countries on 22 May, reflecting the growing awareness of the importance of biodiversity. The continuing decline of biological diversity is no longer viewed as solely an environmental issue, but the social and economic consequences associated with the loss of biodiversity are being increasingly recognized at the global level. "It is not too late to take individual and collective measures, to respond to biodiversity loss in order to protect and sustain our daily needs and maintain our livelihoods," said Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, President of the current session of the United Nations General Assembly in his message for IDB.

View the joint statement released by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Environment Programme on the International Day for Biological Diversity.

Falling honeybee populations in Britain are threatening the availability of beeswax, according to a recent report by The Co-operative Group. The increasingly limited supply of beeswax has real and worrying implications for the cosmetics industry, which uses the ingredient in thousands of beauty products, such as thickeners and stiffing agents. In this latest crisis, the tangible consequences of failing to implement sustainable measures to protect biodiversity are clear. That is why, together with private industry, the Union for Ethical BioTrade is working to take pro-active measures and encourage the ethical sourcing of ingredients in order to help conserve biodiversity.

Read more on this report at Cosmetics Design-Europe.com 

Seeking to bring about synergies for their clients and strengthen their verification processes, a framework for cooperation has recently been established between the Union for Ethical BioTrade and Ecocert-Afrisco: an organic certification body that provides inspections and certification services according to European organic regulations, the US National Organic Program, Japanese organic standards, and the Afrisco Organic Standard. Together, the institutions will work together to select strong and reliable auditors, as well as to explore and promote cross-fertilization between the organisations on experiences regarding verification and impact. In the context of verification, the Union has pledged its commitment to developing tools to help facilitate the interpretation of its verification system. The institutions will also work to combine audits against their respective standards when members to the Union are interested and eligible for organic certification and vice versa. The recent collaboration falls in line with the Union's mission to bring together actors committed to ethical BioTrade and to promote, facilitate, and recognize ethical trade practices in biological goods to meet the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

"Green" products boast a robust and increasing consumer demand and awareness, says SpecialChem, the world's largest online cosmetics industry network.  According to a recent study conducted by the group, there is no doubt that "green" products and ingredients are not just a trend, but a new way of thinking. Of industry respondents to SpecialChem's survey, 40% said that green ingredients are an efficient marketing claim that consumers, globally, are demanding. Moreover, 20% of respondents noted that ethical reasons motivate their choice to use green ingredients. This latest report echoes research performed by the Union for Ethical BioTrade's Barometer: the first-ever international measurement of awareness on biodiversity. Results from this barometer evidenced that biodiversity is an emerging trend that is expected to grow in importance in the future. Here too, of respondents from various European and North American countries, 22% said that their choice to use green ingredients is based on ethics. Of the same group, 40% were aware of biodiversity and nearly all agreed that is a major issue.

Read the full report from SpecialChem here.

Bringing together key stakeholders, the "Beauty of Sourcing with Respect" conference held in Munich, Germany on 24 April highlighted the growing importance of biodiversity for conservation, development, and commercial strategies. Organized by the Union for Ethical BioTrade, the event provided a unique platform for discussion on the ethical sourcing of natural ingredients and the critical role these practices play in meeting sustainable development objectives and in safeguarding biodiversity. The launch of the Ethical BioTrade Barometer — the first-ever international measurement of awareness on biodiversity – was also presented during the event. The Barometer empirically illustrated the rising understanding amongst consumers of the importance of ethical practices.

To access the full press release for this event, please click here.

The Union for Ethical BioTrade recently held workshops for auditors and interested stakeholders in Peru, Colombia, and South Africa to test its new training toolkit.

The toolkit was developed in partnership with AB Training, an experienced consultancy firm in the field of training auditors. While the three workshops were opportunities to test part of the toolkit, which includes an e-learning platform, participants also gained a deeper knowledge of the Union and its processes, particularly the verification system. Feedback was very positive. <read more>

Dead-line for application: 22 May 2009. Application form

Who today has heard of biodiversity? And what image do consumers have of the cosmetics industry relative to biodiversity conservation? These questions were addressed by a recent survey carried out by Ipsos Marketing on behalf for the Union for Ethical BioTrade, in February 2009, on the eve of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, involving a sample population of 4000 individuals in 4 countries (France, Germany, the UK and the USA). For more information read the attached press release.

PRESS RELEASE in English / French

IPSOS, Union for Ethical BioTrade

Consumer products brands today place a strong emphasis on nature, and cosmetics are no exception. Proposing products that are genuinely from nature means having sources of natural ingredients, and raises questions about the preservation of plants and animals, the ecosystem and of local populations … in other words: biodiversity.

But who today has heard of biodiversity? And what image do consumers have of the cosmetics industry relative to biodiversity conservation?

On the eve of the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010, the Union for Ethical BioTrade asked Ipsos to conduct the first worldwide study of consumer perceptions of biodiversity. That study was conducted in February 2009 and involved 4000 consumers in 4 countries (France, Germany, the UK and the USA). 

PRESS RELEASE in English / French

More information here

Maria Julia Oliva joined the Union for Ethical BioTrade in January 2009 as Senior Adviser on access and benefit sharing, with a focus on intellectual property-related issues. She has extensive experience on the interface of trade, intellectual property and sustainability, having served as a Senior Programme Officer for Trade, Natural Resources, and Environment at the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD), legal consultant for the UNCTAD BioTrade Facilitation Programme, and Director of the Intellectual Property and Sustainable Development Project at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). Ms. Oliva is also on the Board of Directors of IP-Watch, an independent reporting service on intellectual property issues; and is a member of the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law. She holds a Masters of Laws (LL.M) in environmental law, cum laude, from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College, and a law degree from the University of Mendoza in Argentina.

On December 19, 2008, the Peruvian Minister of the Environment launched a national competition on "BioTrade, a challenge in a megadiverse country" (Biocomercio: El Reto en un País Megadiverso) , to promote the implementation of the UNCTAD's principles and criteria on BioTrade in Peru. The Minister of Environment, Mr. Antonio Brack, launched this competition at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. All regional presidents and mayors from the whole of Peru were present at the event.

The Union for Ethical BioTrade is a part of the panel of experts examining the participants' applications. The Union's verification system will be then be used for on-site auditing of selected applicants. The five winners of the contest will be granted membership to the Union for Ethical BioTrade.

For the full article on the competition (in Spanish), please click here.

For all technical information and documentation on the competition (in Spanish), please click here.

Interview with Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in Amazon your Business.

Interview with Rosalia Arteaga, (former) Secretary General of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty organisation (ACTO), in Amazon your Business.

Interview with Gus Le Breton and Rodolfo Guttila, President and Vice-President of the Board of the Union for Ethical BioTrade, in CBD Business and Biodiversity Newsletter - Business.2010.

The Union for Ethical BioTrade signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to work jointly on encouraging companies involved in the cosmetics, personal care, food and beverages industries to adopt and promote ethical biodiversity sourcing practices in line with the objectives of the CBD.

«Press Release»

The second edition of Amazon Your Business comes out.

As the Christmas season comes up, please be sure to take advantage of the latest edition of Amazon Your Business to learn all about sustainable products from the forests and rivers of the Amazon in all the Amazon countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname.

Ministers of Amazon countries, entrepreneurs, consultants, leaders of international organisations and NGOs, and local villagers share their views on and experiences of the development and marketing of sustainable products and payments for environmental services in the Amazon. 

This book explains how markets work for forest conservation, development cooperation and poverty alleviation. Amazon Your Business invites businessmen and businesswomen, investors, politicians, civil servants and consumers all over the world to contribute to the conservation of the rainforests of the Amazon, through investments and trade, through facilitating market access and through buying sustainable, certified products from the Amazon.

Here is the link to the Amazon Your Business webpage.

The Union actively participated in the IUCN World Conservation Congress from the 5th the 14th of October in Barcelona, which brought together over 7000 people.

Many interested conference participants stopped by our stand or listened to Union panelists on business and biodiversity events. The Union took advantage of the gathering to organize a 1.5 day Board meeting. The meeting's main focus was on the Union's marketing strategy. The Board agreed to develop a special member logo that members can use in their business to business marketing materials. More information will be made available shortly.

The Union has just signed an agreement with Imaflora, a Brazilian not for profit civil association (NGO) with the mission to encourage changes in forestry and agriculture, aiming to increase the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and the promotion of social benefits.

IMAFLORA is a member of the FSC and of the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), as well as being a Certification Body to both systems. It is focused mainly on Brazil, but has equally audited in other South American and European countries.

Please note: this position has been filled. Thank you for your interest.

Download the summary and application information here

The Union has signed agreements with three verification bodies: SGS Qualifor, IMO Control, and Fundacion Natura.

The Union is happy to announce the signature of agreements with three verification bodies, thus allowing them to carry out verification for the Union. Each is either part of the Rainforest Alliance/Sustainable Agriculture Network or accredited under the Forest Stewardship Council. SGS Qualifor is based in South Africa and has, through the SGS network, offices in more than 140 countries. They issued FSC certificates in 60 countries worldwide. The Swiss based IMO Control has offices in 7 countries and has issued FSC certificates in 10 worldwide. Fundacion Natura is the SAN member in Colombia and is one of the most renowned NGOs in this country.

The Union is working in developing agreements with other verification bodies to extend the reach of its verification system.

Union announces membership of Serdex, a division of Bayer Santé Familiale.    

«Press Release»

The Union for Ethical BioTrade has appointed Pierre Hauselmann as its Technical Director. Pierre is one of the architects of the Union for Ethical BioTrade. He has more than 15 years experience with issues related to standard-setting, certification and labelling, institutional development and the use of trade mechanisms for promoting social and environmental objectives. He was among the founding members of the Forest Stewardship Council and has served as technical and policy advisor to many leading institutions and certification and labelling schemes.  Pierre's principle task is to roll-out the Union's systems on verification and impact assessment, and forge cooperation with existing certification and labelling schemes. Pierre is working with the Union for 4 days a week (80%).

The 9th meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity (Germany, May 2008) calls for incentives to promote biotrade.

The CBD published the decisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties at its 9th Meeting (advance version) on 30 June 2008.

During the 9th meeting of the CBD a series of decisions were adopted by the parties (191 countries are party to the CBD). Reference is made to biotrade in the decisions on incentive measures and promoting business engagement.

The decision on Incentive Measures (IX/6) invites relevant national, regional and international organisations to promote scientific and technical cooperation among Parties on the design and implementation of incentive measures, including through international courses and workshops for the exchange of experiences, and to provide technical support, capacity-building and training for among others: (c) the promotion of biodiversity-based products which are produced in a sustainable manner ("biotrade") See IX/6 §16.

Decision IX/26 on promoting business engagement identifies as one of the priority actions for 2008-2010 the dissemination of tools and best practices of companies involved in biotrade. See IX/26 Annex.

The Parties also invited the Biotrade Initiative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to continue its work on trade promotion for biodiversity-based products which are produced in a sustainable manner and compatible with the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, through capacity-building, enhancing market access, promoting enabling environments and engaging relevant public and private actors.

The Union for Ethical BioTrade come forth out of UNCTAD BioTrade Initiative.

On 1 June 2008, the Union for Ethical BioTrade granted membership status to three Affiliate Members. All three come from Latin America (Bolivia, Brazil and Colombia) and are supporting producers and small and medium sized enterprises in these countries to implement better social and biodiversity practices. They strengthen the network of organisations that can support the Trading Members of the Union for Ethical BioTrade.

Please note: this position has been filled. Thank you for your interest.

The Union for Ethical BioTrade is looking for an office administrator. Interested? Apply before 15 July 2008.

Cosmetic industry and international development agencies join forces for an ethical and sustainable trade in native natural ingredients. Six months after its creation, the Union for Ethical BioTrade presents at the ninth Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biodiversity its work on a verification process for the ethical and sustainable trade in native natural ingredients.

«Press Release»

The Union for Ethical BioTrade has appointed Rik Kutsch Lojenga, as its Executive Director this month. Gus Le Breton, President of the Union said "Rik is perfectly placed to take on such a position.  With his training as a business economist and nearly eleven years experience with enterprise development, trade and biodiversity with UNCTAD (the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) he's going to be a real asset in furthering how the business world tackles biodiversity issues.  We are delighted to have him on board".  Working closely with the Board of Ethical BioTrade,  Rik will establish the Union's offices in Geneva and roll out the Union's core services. Rik has been tasked to build-up the Union's membership base and reach out to private sector in both developing and developed countries.

The demand for ethical and environmentally sustainable cosmetics has come a step closer to being met with the establishment of a new membership-based organisation called the Union for Ethical BioTrade. The Union, launched at the Beyond Beauty Paris show on 1st October, is the flagship association for the Ethical BioTrade movement, a movement promoting sustainable and ethical trade in biodiversity-derived products from around the globe. «Press Release»