The World Sustainability Organization (WSO) has launched its Sustainable Cosmetics Certification in Ghana, aiming to help local manufacturers meet international sustainability standards and gain greater access to overseas markets.
The initiative has been introduced in partnership with business development firm Fort Group Ghana, as demand grows globally for beauty and personal care products made through environmentally and socially responsible practices.
The certification is designed for cosmetics manufacturers, skincare brands and personal care producers. It will provide a recognised framework for businesses seeking to improve their sustainability practices and strengthen the competitiveness of Ghana’s cosmetics industry.
Paolo Bray, founder and director of the World Sustainability Organization, said the scheme would allow companies to demonstrate responsible production while creating more opportunities in export markets.
The launch comes as Ghana’s beauty and personal care sector continues to grow. Retail value sales have increased by 11% to GH¢3.56bn annually, while the country’s share of the global shea export market has risen to 5.1% as more raw materials are processed domestically.
The Sustainable Cosmetics Certification covers several areas of production, including the responsible sourcing of natural ingredients, environmentally sustainable manufacturing, ethical supply chains and sustainable packaging. It also promotes the protection of biodiversity and local communities.
Businesses that take part will receive independent verification of their sustainability practices. That is intended to increase consumer confidence, enhance brand reputation and help companies meet the requirements of international buyers.
“The certification gives Ghanaian cosmetic manufacturers an opportunity to demonstrate that their products meet internationally recognised sustainability standards. It also helps businesses strengthen their position in export markets where buyers increasingly expect verified environmental and social practices,” he said.
Export potential
Ghana’s organic and natural beauty segment recorded annual growth of more than 9%, according to market data. The expansion has been driven by rising consumer interest in products viewed as safe, ethically sourced and environmentally responsible.
Supply chain data from the West Africa Competitiveness Programme found that 26.6% of consumers identified natural and organic ingredients as the main factor influencing their personal care purchases.
The certification is therefore intended to help Ghanaian businesses respond to both domestic demand and the expectations of buyers in international markets.
“Ghana has a strong foundation through its shea industry and growing local manufacturing capacity. This certification helps businesses build credibility with international buyers while encouraging responsible production that benefits both communities and the environment,” Bray said.
The WSO’s initiative links Ghana’s growing manufacturing capacity with a formal system for assessing sustainability. It is expected to support producers as they seek to improve their environmental and social practices while making their products more competitive abroad.
By focusing on sourcing, production, packaging, supply chains, biodiversity and community protection, the certification aims to give Ghanaian cosmetics companies a way to demonstrate that their operations meet internationally recognised standards.
