Renue is an ethical, European marketplace for sustainable brands. And if you’ve been following along, you know we received an email about two months ago, questioning our sustainability standards, particularly around cosmetics. That email? It made us pause, reflect… and get to work. (Read the full article here).

Unpacking the complexities of cosmetic ingredients and regulation

Since then, we’ve spoken with Mark Smith, Director General at NATRUE – The International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association, Nuria Alonso from Certificación BioVidaSana, and had some great conversations with brands like Omamori, who are already certifying part of their products and doing things by the book. One thing quickly became very clear: cosmetics is a tricky world. Ingredients, regulation, transparency… it’s a lot.

So hence our decision: only certified cosmetic products will be accepted on Renue.

Our new standard: Why certified cosmetics only

Not because we want to be exclusive or make things harder. But because we know what we don’t know. We’re not chemists. We’re not a certification body. And frankly, we don’t want to become one either.

What we do want, is to collaborate with experts who’ve already done the homework; people and organisations we trust, who share our values and vision. Because we believe in teaming up with those who know their stuff. That’s why we’re proud to be working with certification bodies like Certificación BioVidaSana and NATRUE, and currently in the talks with COSMOS-standard AISBL and brands like Botanik Skin Natural Cosmetics, VerbelBio, Aina de Mô, OMAMORI BEAUTY TALISMAN, and AYLANABIO.

We’re all about progress, not perfection

Also: we’re not just sticking certification logos onto our site. We’ll be adding explanations of what these certifications actually mean. Because let’s be honest, if we get confused sometimes, imagine what it’s like for the end consumer. We feel it’s our job to bring clarity and trust to the table.

To those brands who’ve invested the time (and let’s be real, money) to get certified: we see you. We want to support you. This decision is for you.

And to those still on the path: we’re here to help guide and connect you with people who can support your process. We’re all about progress, not perfection.

What’s next?

So now we’re turning it over to you: Which certification bodies should we talk to next? Which sector should we tackle? We’re thinking fashion? Oh boy… what a jungle. But we’re motivated and committed. Even if it means growing slow, we’re in this for the long run.

Read more about Renue here and start selling on our ethical marketplace!

Somehow over the past fews years, the words “sustainable,” “green,” and “eco-friendly” have become commonplace, often losing their true essence. At Renue, our ambition extends beyond these labels as we strive to evolve into a regenerative e-commerce platform. While “regenerative” is a term gaining interest, for us, it’s about maintaining transparency and shared values. This journey isn’t about self-congratulation – it’s about learning together, with you, our community. Because what does being a regenerative e-commerce platform entail? We’re not 100% clear on that one either yet, but it’s a question we’re committed to exploring!

We do know we want to go beyond achieving carbon neutrality; our aim is to ensure our platform actively contributes back to the environment and society. It’s a bold challenge, but one we eagerly embrace alongside you. To that respect, the digital realm plays a crucial part in sustainability, and at present, we feel is still often overlooked. And yet, its impact is profound. As we hold our brands to high sustainability standards, it felt logical for us to ensure our platform exemplifies these values. And we hope to inspire others to consider the digital world’s role in achieving a regenerative future. Yep, it’s daunting challenge to say the least, but we’re eager to embrace it.

At Renue we very much believe in the power of community, so we designed our platform not just as a marketplace, but as a safe haven for small sustainable brands and the passionate individuals who bring them to life. Behind every brand, there’s a story, and a person who started it all. Our role is to nurture these narratives and create a space where they can flourish.

Our journey with Renue towards becoming a regenerative platform is just beginning. We invite you to accompany us and be part of this transformative experience. And let’s be salesy for a second here… We’d love for you to subscribe to our newsletter for updates, insights and stories from our community. Because together, we can redefine what e-commerce means, creating meaningful change that benefits both people and the planet. After all, change starts with individuals like you, making conscious choices that ripple outwards.