On June 26 and 27, 2024, Avignon will play host to some 200 essential oil experts at the Aromadays congress organized by Cosmed, a trade association representing French cosmetics companies with 1,030 member companies, and the HE Consortium, which brings together six companies supplying over 90 % of the French essential oil market.
"This edition takes place at a pivotal moment. The five-year derogation, allowing complex natural substances, including EOs, to be excluded from the MOCS classification rule, gives stakeholders precious but limited time to plan the research needed to present a robust new dossier to the authorities."reminds Cosmed.
For two days, the city of Avignon will become the stage for scientific and political exchanges in the field of essential oils, with the presence of European representatives. Jérémy Pinte, from DG Grow - European Commission, will shed light on the defense of essential oils during discussions on CLP. Benoît Biteau, MEP, will share the views of European parliamentarians. At the heart of the debate will also be the notion of essential use, pivotal in the revision of the Reach regulation.
On the scientific side, the first results of pioneering studies on the endocrine safety of essential oils will be previewed by Patrice Rat, Professor of Toxicology at Paris Descartes University.
A new, scientifically validated approach to aromatherapy will also be presented, exploring the benefits of essential oils as non-drug treatments from a holistic perspective.
Alongside regulatory and scientific issues, the essential oils sector is looking to improve its environmental footprint. A project initiated by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, aimed at reducing emissions and sequestering carbon, is currently being evaluated by Cihef (Comité interprofessionnel des huiles essentielles françaises) under the name of the low-carbon label.
The conference program is available here.
Photo: Monika / Pixabay
