Vel Vet's beautiful glass globe pumps aren't purchased by the store, instead, they pay only for the products dispensed. Eventually, these refill systems go back to the manufacturer for refilling, and very little waste is created. This is the practice of Urtekram, a 23 year old Danish cosmetic and natural food company, which has a total environmental commitment. They designed their plastic bottles with a single resin for the cap, label and bottle, so when the company takes them back, they are very easy to recycle into new black bottles. They are one of the first shampoo makers to use corn glucose instead of coconut-derived ingredients, as it can be sourced locally, it's biodegradable within a day and it's very gentle, to boot.
All ingredients are vegan and organic.
Their 35 workers have flexible schedules, and if they commute by bike, they have a mileage allowance added to their paycheck. Comprehensive approaches like theirs are becoming more common in Europe. If this article has whetted your appetite, you may want to be there next year. The 1996 Bio Fach is scheduled from March 7 to 10, but double-check before you book your flight to Frankfurt. Attendees can simply pay a daily admission without advance registration.