Gift Focus - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 114)

INDUSTRY NEWS 9 Industry news SHARED EARTH ENACTS NEW CLIMATE CRISIS LEVY Spurred on by the recent schoolchildren strikes and by parliament’s declaration of a climate emergency, Shared Earth has announced a climate crisis levy on products, as opposed to services. This 10 per cent levy will be applied to all products imported by air and to all products made of plastic, including resin statues from Thailand and suncatchers from Bali. Meanwhile, Shared Earth intends to work with suppliers to develop alternative, sustainable materials. In addition, the company will add a 10 per cent levy to all air travel by Shared Earth staff. The proceeds from this levy will be used for planting trees, investment in alternative energy and other projects that help to combat the negative effects of global warming. In the light of the climate crisis, Shared Earth has put environmental issues at the top of its agenda. Founder and managing director Jeremy Piercy said: “We can’t just ignore this problem and continue as we are, using up limited fossil fuels and expecting others to solve this crisis. There are lots of things we can do, both large and small, as individuals and as businesses, all of which contribute to positive change. Commercially, these can pay off too. A younger generation of consumers is emerging with different values and aspirations, and they will support businesses that actively address the problems of climate change, which could seriously affect their lives in 20 or 30 years’ time.” Shared Earth was founded in 1986 and is one of the largest Fairtrade and eco-friendly distributors in the UK. The company buys from approximately 100 producer groups in countries such as Bangladesh, Madagascar and Peru. Its average turnover has increased by an average of 30 per cent per year for the past six years, while sales in the company’s two shops located in York and Liverpool, have increased by 15 per cent in the same period. CONGRATULATIONS Last issue’s competition winner was Georgina Black of Pretty Shiny Shop in London. Georgina is the recipient of £500RRP of lovely Puckator products. Congratulations, Georgina! Xystos announces two new distribution deals Catch up on all the latest in our news roundup Xystos, responding to a public demand for more eco-friendly products, recently signed UK & Ireland distribution deals with two bath and body manufacturers: Faith in Nature and Grace Cole. These join pampering brand Di Palomo and The Naked Bee in the company’s bath and body portfolio. Faith in Nature is one of the largest independent UK-based manufacturers of natural beauty products. The company began creating its recipes 45 years ago as a kitchen sink operation. It uses high-quality, cruelty-free ingredients of 99 per cent natural origin, with 100 per cent natural fragrance. Products are crafted by in-house experts with organic essential oils and are free from parabens, SLS and MI and are suitable for vegans. Faith in Nature also uses recycled bottles when available. Xystos will distribute the brand’s conditioners, body and handwashes, shampoos and handmade soaps. Grace Cole owner and CEO Tracy Mort founded the business in 2007, with a mission to produce premium bath and beauty products. It has since garnered numerous business, enterprise and product awards, and its collections can be found in more than 80 countries. Xystos will supply its on-trend Boutique and Luxury Bathing Company ranges. Adding to the eco-friendly offering are three flagrance- without-flame options in time for Home & Gift. “Consumers are seeking out more flameless fragrance product and less plastic packaging,” said Xystos director Tom Sykes, pointing to the success of the company’s own-brand Cello reed diffusers. 