The Latin edition of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit was held in Sao Paulo September 24-26th, and over 160 beauty industry execs were in attendance. The summit highlighted key areas for sustainable development in the regional cosmetics industry in Brazil, while addressing social impacts and legal obstacles, through conferences and interactive workshops.

Natura Brasil spoke about its challenges in combining social and environmental aspects into its sustainable sourcing programs. Ekos, the country’s second largest cosmetics line, doesn’t seem to have the same issues. The company has developed a successful plan that directly benefit the 1,714 Amazonian families that collect its raw materials.

Labeling challenges were also discussed. Brazilian legislation says that cosmetic companies — even international brands — can market products as ‘natural,’ but not ‘organic,’ since the country has yet to introduce a national standard for ‘organic’.

Discussions will continue as the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit meets in Hong Kong, November 12-13th; and in Paris, November 21-23rd.