The ERI 360° (Eco Responsible Ingredient) Label is a comprehensive method to measure the level of social and environmental responsibility of cosmetic ingredients based on 100 SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Recognized and Transparent) indicators.

The ERI 360° Label is exclusively intended for ingredients’ suppliers in the aromatic, cosmetic and agro-food sectors. Photo : © Milosz G / shutterstock.com

The specifications of this labelling scheme have been designed by France Eco Extraction - a French association focusing on the eco-extraction of natural ingredients - in co-operation with the PASS [1] competitiveness cluster and 13 French suppliers of aromas and cosmetic ingredients. The ERI 360° Label therefore enables companies to evaluate their extracts’ processes in the supply chain as well as their sustainable and responsible practices. The ERI 360° Label is an internal tool for companies to guide them and measure their performance, it also offers the possibility to obtain a certification via an external audit.

Evaluation and transversal approach

The ERI 360° Label provides an evaluation grid established on 100 SMART [2] indicators to measure the level of eco-responsibility of an ingredient. It is based on a transversal evaluation to measure the traceability of the ingredients built on three main criteria: an assessment of the raw material, the bio-processes and the processes.

The labelling is processed through an electronic application presented on a web platform, supported by a training course to help users carry out the evaluation. There are three levels of labelling (gold, silver, bronze) which result from the level of success obtained during the evaluation. The evaluation is accompanied by recommendations aimed at the continuous improvement of the company for the production of responsible ingredients.

Labelling and certification to ERI 360°

The ERI 360° Label is exclusively intended for ingredients’ suppliers in the aromatic, cosmetic and agro-food sectors taking into account the environmental and societal impacts of the ingredients’ production in a perspective of continuous improvement. Companies wishing to commit in the implementation of sustainable production methods respectful of people and environment can apply for certification with France Eco Extraction or PASS Cluster. The implementation of the labelling can be done individually, by extract and / or family of extracts, or it can take the shape of a subscription to use the evaluation tool for a portfolio of ingredients.

"The ERI 360° Label has been created in a real proactive synergy with other partners and we are personally proud of this reliable and robust reference tool which is based on a transversal evaluation", explains Sandrine Lopis-Presle, Research Engineer - R&D Plants Sourcing at Gattefossé, one of the companies participating in the consortium that created the labelling scheme.

Rates and details are available in the leaflet that can be downloaded here.