CSE

There is a standard for assessing the sustainability of companies called CSE (which stands for Certified Sustainable Economics). This benchmark for assessing corporate sustainability is created by the Society for Applied Business Ethics (GFaW). The German company EcoControl GmbH, which is also involved in the development of the standards, is also the awarding body and coordinates the entire certification process. In addition to CSE, EcoControl can also award Demeter, NaTrue and other certificates. EcoControl is also audited annually by independent institutions.

The CSE framework assesses all company activities and continuously monitors and evaluates their sustainability. For a company, not only the sustainability of its products is examined (as is the case with cosmetic brands), but also its overall economic impact, environmental responsibility and social issues. This includes, for example, the management of wastewater and waste, working conditions and training opportunities for employees, monitoring suppliers and their compliance with sustainability principles.

EcoControl's annual audit includes checking whether the company meets all the requirements of the standard, but also whether it has improved on the previous year and sets sustainability targets for the following year.

The CSE standards for approved ingredients in natural cosmetics reflect strict rules. Where possible, manufacturers should use verified ingredients from organic or free-range sources. Reputable companies reject animal testing and petrochemical or GMO ingredients are not found in cosmetic products.