Industry News

The latest news from the natural and organic products industry.

Unilever makes ‘bold’ pledge to halve virgin plastic use by 2025

Unilever has announced plastic reduction goals it says ‘are even bolder’ than its previous commitments, pledging to halve its use of virgin plastic by 2025.

‘Bold’ ban to curb snacking culture

Snacking on public transport should be banned, according to the UK’s former Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Dame Sally Davies.

Mixed reactions over controversial Hybrid Burger

Consumer opinion is divided after the launch of BrewDog’s Hybrid Burger – a controversial combination of 50% Beyond Meat and 50% sustainably reared beef.

Top retail and sustainability experts to speak at major new conference

Leading figures in Nordic retailing and consumer brands will join some of Europe's best-known sustainability strategists at a major new conference.

The Meatless Farm Co secures investment from Channel 4

Leeds-based The Meatless Farm Co has received a seven-figure sum investment from Channel 4, by means of the latter’s innovative Commercial Growth Fund.

New campaign highlights benefits of organic cotton

Soil Association Certification is launching a campaign in partnership with Hubbub to raise awareness of the positive impact of organic cotton.

Viva! highlights environmental benefits of veganism in new campaign film

Vegan charity Viva! yesterday revealed its new headline campaign in the form of a film called Vegan Now which exposes the dramatic effects industrial meat and dairy farming have on our natural world.

Pukka Herbs declares climate and biodiversity emergency

Pukka Herbs has become one of the first UK businesses to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency, committing to offset its entire emissions in 2019.

Defra draws up advisory note for organic industry ahead of possible...

Defra has issued an advisory note for the UK’s organic bodies to distribute among companies in the industry in case of a no-deal exit from Europe.

Vegans urged to supplement ‘critical’ brain nutrient

Vegans could be at risk of deficiencies of an 'overlooked' but important brain nutrient, a prominent nutritionist has warned. 

Rapid uptake of plastic alternatives could increase pollution, MPs warn

The rapid uptake of compostable and biodegradable plastic alternatives could be making marine pollution worse, a committee of Parliamentarians has warned.  

How the market turned us into ‘passive consumers of crap’

Pointless choice: Riverford Organic founder Guy Singh-Watson on 'how brilliantly the market excels at turning us all into passive consumers'. 

CBD straight to your door

Consumers can now get CBD delivered straight to their doors under a new contract between Botanic Lab and Deliveroo.

Giki helps consumers identify sustainable ‘hero’ products

Giki has introduced a Hero badge to its shopping app to reward the most sustainable and healthy products available in major UK supermarkets.

Vitamin D: the next target for fortified flour?

A new study suggests that fortifying flour with vitamin D could prevent ten million new cases of deficiency over 90 years.

CBD charter sets out ‘compliance pathway’, trade group says

The CDC has launched a new 'quality charter' which it says will help 'foster a legally compliant, socially responsible and innovative CBD industry'. 

Organic and sustainable is the future, says Zara boss

The CEO of international fashion brand Zara has said there is 'no contradiction' between sustainability and profitability.

Johnson urged to fix ‘broken business rates system’

Following the appointment of new PM Boris Johnson, bira is challenging Government to resolve ‘on-going issues that are burdening independent businesses’

Iron levels in young women ‘not particularly encouraging’

At the latest APPG meeting the issue of iron levels in young women was explored; over 50% of teenage girls and 25% of adult women have low iron in-takes.

Unilever says it will sell off brands that harm the planet...

Unilever has reasserted its 'purpose-led' focus and warned shareholders it will sell off brands that do not contribute positively to society of the planet.