For the first time ever, Organic Monitor will hold an Asia-Pacific edition of its Sustainable Cosmetics Summit. The event is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong on November 7 and 8, 2011.
According to Organic Monitor, research shows the Asian region is lagging in terms of production and consumption of natural and organic beauty products. Although the continent has over 3.5 million hectares of organic farmland and become a major source of natural ingredients, very few local companies are involved in production and marketing of natural and organic cosmetics. “One reason for Asia to lag behind is the lack of technical know-how and expertise in green formulations,” explain the organisers.
The Sustainable Cosmetics Summit Asia will cover green formulation issues associated with natural and organic cosmetics, including natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals like parabens, phthalates, SLS / SLES, etc. The event will also focus on business openings and marketing challenges with highlight on some of the major marketing and distribution obstacles to growth in the Asian market, and examples of best-practices in terms of communication on natural and organic cosmetics. Market research firm GfK will share its research on green consumers in Asia, giving insights into buyer behaviour, motives and attitudes towards natural and sustainable products.
On the second day of the agenda, seminars will showcase leading Asian brands in the naturals arena. Lihua Song and Gordon Chalmers, founders of the organic brand Jasmin Skincare, will share their experience in targeting Chinese consumers. Although the brand has Australian origins, Jasmin Skincare has set up manufacturing facilities and distribution infrastructure in mainland China. It is now one of the few organic brands to be successful in this market.
