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Asia
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20/05/13 |
Sri Lanka: First Organic Latex Products
Launched |
With the launch of organic mattresses, Latex Green (PVT) Ltd has
introduced the "world's first certified organic latex product" in the
bedding industry.
The mattress products are manufactured
according to the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) standard.
Introduced in January 2012, the standard refers to the sustainable
processing of latex from organic raw material.
"For many years, we have been manufacturing & promoting 100% natural
latex bedding products adding value to Sri Lankan rubber in an
environment-friendly way. The Organic latex project was a great
accomplishment and a new measurement of our R&D capabilities "says
Chairman / MD Ana Jayatilleka.
The products are made from latex that is sourced from organic rubber
plantations. Such plantations are maintained for a minimum of four years
free of pesticides and chemical mixed fertilizers in order to get
organic certification.
"What is unique and interesting to us in Sri Lanka is the fact that the
standard was developed in Sri Lanka by Control Union's Sri Lankan office
and the fact that the world's first organically certified Company is a
Sri Lankan company, Latex Green Pvt. Ltd. We would like to congratulate
Latex Green for their achievement as being the world's first GOLS
certified company," says the CEO of Control Union, Sanjaya K.Pathirage.
According to the Mithra Weerasinghe, this was a trial launch of a well
designed project with three phases to be added over the next three
years. "With the growing demand for nature friendly natural products, we
are determined to initiate programs that are essential to providing
solutions to such requirements," says Mithra Weerasingha.
The products are currently exported to USA and Australia. Latex Green
has plans to expand into other markets in the future.
OM Comment
Latex Green is applauded for launching the first organic latex bedding
products in the world. As one of the first companies to adopt the GOLS
standard, it could carve out a niche in the bedding products market.
Expect more companies to follow its lead as retailers expand their green
product ranges.
Source:
News Release
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13/05/13 |
Thailand: Bright Outlook for Organic Sector |
Thai organic products are expected to flourish in both domestic and
export markets despite looming threats from the strong baht and the
sluggish global economy.
Vitoon Panyakul, president of the Thailand Organic Trade Association (Tota),
said exports are expected to grow by 10-15% this year to about 2 billion
baht. Europe remains the key market, accounting for up to 80% of
shipments, followed by the US (10%) and Australia/New Zealand. Major
products are organic rice, which accounts for half the products, with
fruit, vegetables, processed food and coconut milk making up the
remainder.
Mr Vitoon said the domestic market for organic products is also strong,
as more consumers become health-conscious. The Thai market will reach an
estimated value of 2 billion baht this year, a rise of 10% from last
year.
However, Mr Vitoon said the domestic market's growth is relatively slow,
as many people have shifted to consume more health foods even though
they are not organic. Organic products are mostly now available only in
supermarkets.
Expansion into standalone outlets remains difficult due to stiff
competition from discount stores that can sell products at much cheaper
prices.
Tota's latest survey showed the farming area of organic products
expanded from 192,220 to 212,995 rai in 2010. Most was slated for
growing rice, covering 138,326 rai.
Despite an increase in the number of consumers of organic produce, the
expansion of farm areas is relatively slow, as farmers are growing older
and their children are shying away from farming, Mr Vitoon said. He said
the government's rice pledging scheme, which offers farmers above-market
prices, has been a big blow to organic product development.
Deputy commerce permanent secretary Nuntawan Sakuntanaga said the
outlook for organic products remains bright despite the challenge of the
strong baht.
Source: News Release
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27/04/13 |
India: Organic Clothing
Gaining Popularity in Mysore |
Demand for organic clothes is increasing in
Mysore, especially among the youth. Available in various options, men
prefer cool and comfy organic shirts, T-shirts, kurtas, and women shop
for stylish organic tops and bags. The list
doesn’t end there. The organic outlets in the city also sell shampoos,
soaps, towels and gift articles.
Mohan Kumar, who started an organic outlet recently, told TOI: “These
all-season clothes are free from pesticide, chemicals and synthetic
ingredients. Clothes made from hemp plants protect you from UV rays and
are anti-bacterial. Such clothes popular among tourists.”
Buoyed by the response, Mohan is planning to start an exclusive organic
hotel in Mysore. “By using organic clothes, we can preserve our
indigenous culture. These products are manufactured by self-income
groups without any machines and artificial colours,” another organic
shop owner said.
Engineering student Tanvi, who gifted an organic shirt to her friend,
says: “My friend had never used organic clothes and it was the best
gift. These clothes can also be used with a pair of denims.”
“Wearing organic clothes makes you look stylish and unique as they are
different from machine-made clothes,” Madhu Patel, a businessman, said.
OM Comment
Demand for organic products is rising in India because of growing
consumer knowledge about organic agricultural methods. Apart from the
environmental benefits of organic agriculture, there is a positive
social impact if products are hand-made. Organic garments and textiles
can also preserve traditional working practices and indigenous culture.
Demand for organic products is expected to increase as Indian consumers
become more affluent.
Source:
Times of India / Organic
Monitor
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