ecostore's global expansion gets a boost in US
Wednesday 1 September 2010, 12:02PM
By Wright Communications
167 views
ecostore’s expansion into the huge North American market has received a two-fold boost, with its baby care products receiving top US safety ratings, and a new manufacturing plant in Michigan.
ecostore achieves top US safety ratings
The independent laboratory tests showing the baby products have no harmful chemicals have been posted on Skin Deep, the influential consumer information service on cosmeticdatabase.com. [1]
ecostore founder and CEO Malcolm Rands says Skin Deep, created by the American-based Environmental Working Group, is recognised globally as the go-to safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products.
“To have a high rating on that site is very important, and incredibly pleasing for us as we look to make a real impact in the US market,” he said.
The products tested were ecostore’s Sleepy Time Bath, Baby Shampoo, Baby Body Wash, Baby Moisturiser and Baby Nappy Balm. Based on testing, all scored in the safest possible range of Skin Deep’s rating system.
ecostore now manufacturing in the US for that market – reducing carbon miles
To cap a milestone month, ecostore USA celebrated the opening of its manufacturing facility in Michigan on 30 July.
Malcolm Rands says this reflects ecostore’s global philosophy to support local manufacturing – both to reduce carbon miles and create local employment.
In December last year, ecostore USA purchased an existing factory which has been completely refurbished to become the new location of ecostore USA’s home base.
The 3,350sq m factory in Auburn Hills manufactures and packages all products for the North American market except some bar soaps, which are made in New Zealand. All products are 100 per cent recyclable, and Malcolm Rands says they are currently measuring their carbon footprint with a view to manage, reduce and offset the remaining unavoidable CO2 emissions.
Local employment opportunities
The opening of ecostore’s new manufacturing facility brings 35 new jobs to Michigan. As it expands its operations over the next five years, ecostore expects to employ fifty people.
“The new manufacturing facility will provide local job opportunities to Michigan residents and will help bring economic vitality back to the state,” says Rands.
Ends
About ecostore
Founded in 1993, ecostore proudly creates household and personal care products that aren’t just good for the planet, but are good for you. With 30 full time employees, ecostore products are exported to Australia, United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.
ecostore entered the US market in late 2008, with products selling through the hypermarket chain Meijer in Ohio, Michigan and Illinois. In March this year ecostore continued its expansion in the US when it hit the ‘Big Apple’ through Duane Reade, the biggest drug store chain in New York with 250 stores.
ecostore was last year named New Zealand’s most Sustainable Business of the Year at the NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards.
ecostore products are also available through supermarket and health food stores in New Zealand, more than 800 Woolworths stores in Australia, online in the UK, Hong Kong and South Korea; and through its flagship store in Auckland.
ecostore manufactures its products at its Enviro-Mark®NZ–Diamond certified facility in east Auckland. ecostore was been named New Zealand’s ‘Sustainable Business of the Year’ at the 2009 NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards and is a Deloitte Fast 50 company.