Leading figures from the international natural and organic industry will converge on New York this May for the next edition of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit

Key themes at the two-day event will be green formulations and sustainable supply chains. With many cosmetic and ingredient firms still grappling with green formulations, the summit devotes a conference session and workshop to discuss technical issues. Key papers will cover natural & organic cosmetic formulations, including paraben-free preservative systems, replacing synthetic chemicals, natural actives, and growing use of sustainable raw materials.

A CEO Roundtable debate will see the CEOs of Burt’s Bees, Aubrey Organics, Weleda, and Dr. Hauschka Skincare discussing issues around sustainability, certification, ethical trade, and consumer demand.

Organized by Organic Monitor, the fourth edition of this executive summit hones in on green formulations because of the growing need to develop ‘chemically-clean’ products in North America. With growing pressure for natural and conventional brands to remove potentially harmful chemicals, the summit aims to tackle some of the major technical obstacles in using sustainable / natural raw materials. Sustainable supply chains are a major focus because of the growing prominence of ethical trade and sustainable sourcing.

• The Sustainable Cosmetics Summit takes place in New York City on 12-14th May. For the more information visit (www.sustainablecosmeticssummit.com)