OCTOBER 7, 2021
Expo East insights: Climate Collective, SME Climate Hub help companies go from overwhelm to action on sustainability
The natural products industry—including dietary supplements—is uniquely positioned to “be at the nexus of helping drive awareness and action around climate,” Courtney Pineau, Executive Director of The Climate Collaborative told attendees at Natural Products Expo East last month.
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79% of natural products shoppers are alarmed or concerned about climate change, according to a 2020 Yale University analysis.
Consumer concerns are supported by science. Pineau cited U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres who described findings of a recently released Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report as a "code red for humanity." The report reiterated that collectively, we need to:
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Halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
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Reach net zero before 2050
“The most important thing for you to do is take action,” Pineau urged, noting that climate commitments are not only for the largest companies flush with resources and able to make changes in their supply chains.
“This movement is going to be driven by the small and medium sized companies,” Pineau noted. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) represent 90% of businesses globally, employing 2 billion people.
Resources to help companies make and follow through on commitments to address climate change are available through The Climate Collaborative and the SME Climate Hub. Pineau urged attendees to act ASAP and share the call to action from their #Call4ClimateNow campaign.
“Remember, your shoppers are looking to align their values with what they buy,” Pineau noted. The demand is there and consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainably-produced products.
CRN Board revises prospective member review policy, welcomes new members, more
CRN’s board of directors met remotely at the end of September and took action and received updates on key association initiatives and activities:
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Expansion of the CRN Foundation's Vitamin D & Me! public education campaign focusing on vitamin D and COVID-19
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Healthcare cost savings study, part 2
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Opposition to FDA-established maximum safe levels for CBD
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Mandatory product listing legislation
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New member mentor program
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...and more.
Policy update: The Board adopted a new policy for the review of prospective CRN members. While CRN has long vetted prospective members for compliance with legal requirements, the new policy formalizes the review practices and establishes specific parameters for this evaluation.
Welcome: CRN grew its membership with two new voting member companies and one new associate member company.
Go deeper: Learn more in CRN President & CEO Steve Mister's topline report.