Natural and organic megatrends

21 January 2020 // NürnbergMesse

VIVANESS 2020: Natural and organic cosmetics benefit from megatrends

Natural, natural, natural! That is the common thread linking various trend analyses and forecasts by market researchers looking at changes in the cosmetic market, both in Germany and globally. While the underlying themes differ – clean, green and ethical cosmetics; natural and organic cosmetics; “free-from” or phytocosmetics – one thing is clear: the trend is toward more and more natural products. This will also be evident at VIVANESS, the international exhibition for natural and organic cosmetics, from 12 to 15 February 2020, where an expected total of about 300 exhibitors from all around the world will present natural and organic cosmetics based on strict admission criteria. Demand remains dynamic, with a desire for health, the need for sustainability and a yearning for authenticity, transparency and meaningfulness – all playing an important part. Further developments include e-commerce, making products universally available, the influence and power of innovation of start-ups, the need for customized products, and the Greta effect, with a younger generation that wants to save the planet.

The desire to move away from environmental destruction and lifestyles that harm the climate is no longer just the province of the “Fridays for Future” movement. A broad alliance across all sectors of the population is committed to a lifestyle that will make the world fit for our grandchildren to live in, and is influencing both policy-makers and markets. Sustainability is right at the top of the agenda. The online industry publication CosmeticsDesign Europe looks forward as 2020 begins: “It’s not possible anymore to disregard the green agenda.” The key themes for the beauty industry identified by the experts are Free From, alternatives to animal testing, microplastics, digitalization and implementing environmental regulations imposed by policy-makers, e.g. making the EU climate-neutral by 2050. “Natural and organic cosmetics fit very well with this new awareness of meaningfulness and responsibility,” says natural cosmetic market analyst Elfriede Dambacher, of Dortmund-based naturkosmetik konzepte, and she has the figures to back this up. In her Natural and Organic Cosmetics Report 2018 she writes, “Holistic beauty products are still enjoying a growth trend. According to international market research institutes, the global cosmetics and bodycare industry recorded six percent growth in this segment in 2018 – the highest value in the past decade.”

Trend researcher Mirja Eckert, of THE NEW (Stuttgart), considers megatrends like health, digitalization and demographic change as the drivers of change in our time. “They characterize our lifestyles and awaken new needs and desires in us that ultimately find expression in product trends and our consumer behaviour,” comments Eckert. “Considered alongside the growing importance of sustainability, the positive development of natural and organic cosmetics is not surprising, and they will continue to advance,” she predicts. According to Dr Robert Kecskes, Global Insights Director at market research institute GfK, this will continue even under weakening economic conditions: “Natural and organic cosmetics are still in demand even in times of economic uncertainty; the need for responsible consumption is not going to abate.” Eckert confirms this trend: “Because of the growing importance of sustainability, our society is increasingly focusing on preserving nature, which can be seen in practices like ethical consumption. Resources are being used more sensitively, and we are adopting a more prudent approach in the way we perceive and experience nature. Natural and organic cosmetics benefit as a result.”

Authenticity and proximity to nature – sustainable products preferred

GfK expert Kecskes analyzes the consumption patterns of “LOHAS” (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability), and observes that this group has been growing for a number of years, accounting for more than 30 percent of the German population in 2018. The LOHAS lifestyle combines individual well-being with social responsibility. That means their consumption patterns are defined by health, vitality and balance just as much as by the environment, sustainability and fairness. Then there is the aspect of “moral hedonism”. That includes having fun, following their wishes and seeking exciting experiences, Kecskes explains. But at the same time, sustainability is no longer perceived as doing without, but as a liberation from harmful and burdensome products (e.g. sugar and plastic), and thus represents a gain in terms of new freedom for pleasure, indulgence, self-realization and adventure, according to the observations of the GFK expert.

At an international level, the global trend toward sustainability is also impossible to overlook: a survey of 3,300 consumers in seven EU countries showed that integrity and the environment were important factors in product choice for more than 70 percent of the participants. In the 2018 IRi European Shopper Survey, 71 percent of customers prefer brands from companies that can demonstrate fairness, transparency and integrity;
72 percent of Europeans prefer to buy products from companies that respect the environment, and 72 percent also favour products with environmentally friendly packaging. In summary, sustainability is the main factor when making purchasing decisions.

Customization – Influence of start-ups

The values of buyers of start-up brands, in particular, are characterized by sustainability, hedonism and a proximity to nature, according to findings by the GfK Consumer Panel “Why2Buy”. And conversely, start-ups often focus on elements and values that are important to today’s consumers. They offer answers and innovative, often customized, solutions to questions of contemporary interest, which meet desires for sustainable, natural products, sensibly packed, with a transparent origin and the result of fair trade. VIVANESS is a veritable treasure trove in this regard, with an expected total of about 300 exhibitors, including the “Breeze” special exhibition area for international newcomers, the pavilion “Innovation made in Germany” for start-ups from Germany, and the New Products Stand. Elfriede Dambacher, who has been extensively involved with the new products, is happy: “There will be innovations of interest to be discovered in every category, bearing witness to just how mature the market has become and how full of the spirit of innovation it is, and reflecting the megatrend of sustainability. The range of products and services on show makes it clear that natural and organic cosmetics have their finger on the pulse and are trend-setters in the area of sustainability.”

Digitalization – the increasing importance of online business

The e-commerce trend is continuing, and there is no sign of its growth coming to an end, according to IRi Managing Director Christoph Knoke.  This is confirmed by the global figures from market research institute Information Resources for September 2019. Compared with the previous year, online revenue for beauty products in the US grew by 35 percent, for example, followed by 27 percent for Italy and 14 percent for the UK.
In Germany, too, many products are enjoying growth of 20 to well over 30 percent. By 2021, market researchers are predicting a market share of 7 to 10 percent for online trading.

There is also a clear link between start-ups and e-commerce. Many young businesses rely on the Internet when it comes to marketing their products, with advertising being social media-based in many cases: before a brand appears on the shelf it will be available online. “Advances in digitalization are leading to new business models,” Eckert notes, and explains, “Innovative service and information tools will set new industry standards in the dialogue with consumers. In R&D, digitalized innovation labs are opening up new fields of business for natural ingredients.” She also highlights customized product ranges as a further trend and effect of digital globalization. “In addition to local natural and organic cosmetic ranges, concepts from other cultural groups or niche products will also be more readily available.” The forecast is that both the cosmetic industry and the markets will undergo a deep-seated transformation.

That makes it all the more important to meet in a central location once a year to learn about the latest developments and trends. As an international exhibition, VIVANESS provides annual inspiration and encouragement. From 12 to 15 February 2020, its wide range of exhibitors and product innovations will turn Hall 3C into the international market place for natural and organic cosmetics, both with and without seal, and subject to strict criteria for admission.