LTP Initiative Boosts Consumers' Confidence And Builds Trust In Local Products
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- The Lab Tested Programme (LTP), a recognition initiative by the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (Bioeconomy Corporation), a government agency supporting the country’s bio-based and biotechnology industries, is aimed at rebuilding trust in local cosmetics and personal care products.
Bioeconomy Corporation’s Senior Vice President (Industry Support Division) Nora Mohamed said LTP was designed to validate product safety through accredited testing, ensuring compliance with international safety standards and the limits set by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), thereby enhancing consumer confidence.
According to Nora, the LTP supports Malaysia's goal of driving sustainability and innovation in the bio-based and biotechnology sectors and highlights this country's rich biodiversity and unique resources by recognising products made with natural and bio-based ingredients.
“This programme isn't just about ensuring safety, it's about encouraging local businesses to create innovative, eco-friendly products that stand out. It's a step toward building a strong bioeconomy by turning natural resources into valuable solutions that meet global expectations.
“With Bioeconomy Corporation’s support, the programme helps businesses gain recognition and consumer trust while showcasing Malaysia’s potential as a leader in sustainable innovation,” she told Bernama recently.
For consumers, Nora said the LTP signifies more than just safety - it represents trust. When they see the LTP logo, they can be assured that the product has undergone rigorous testing and embodies an innovative, bio-based alternative in cosmetics and personal care.
“This transparency not only reassures consumers of the product's safety and quality but also supports their preference for sustainable and natural options,” she said.
Elaborating on product selection, Nora explained that the process is straightforward yet impactful, focusing on two things, namely niche uniqueness in which they look for products that stand out because of using innovative, bio-based ingredients or natural solutions.
The second focus is on the company's commitment to stringent safety and quality standards. This includes producing products in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-certified facilities and complying with the NPRA guidelines, ensuring only trustworthy, effective products are featured.
“In short, we’re looking for products that are not unique but also safe, effective, and made with care,” she said.
She highlighted MISMIS®, an oral care brand by NFA Technologies Sdn Bhd that uses cocoa tannin as a natural alternative to fluoride, as a success story of the programme. She explained that LTP's recognition has strengthened the brand’s market position, enabling it to compete effectively with international brands.
“Our vision is to make the Lab Tested Programme a trusted benchmark for safety and quality in the cosmetics and personal care industry.
“By working closely with accredited laboratories, our BioNexus Partners Laboratories and offering added benefits to participating businesses, we aim to elevate local products to global standards, including by increasing their competitiveness in international markets while ensuring that consumers have access to safe, high-quality, and innovative products,” she said.
Meanwhile, NFA Technologies Managing Director Noormawarni Nordin said that her company, established in 2014 and part of the Bio-based Accelerator (BBA) programme by Bioeconomy Corporation, was drawn to LTP due to its robust framework for ensuring product safety, efficacy, and compliance with international standards.
She noted that NFA Technologies discovered the LTP through its ongoing collaborations with industry networks focused on technology commercialisation as the program’s reputation for rigorous product validation and alignment with the company’s commitment to quality and innovation were key motivators for joining.
“The programme’s credibility and expertise in lab testing provided an opportunity to enhance consumer trust, differentiate its products in a competitive market, and meet the demands of eco-conscious and health-focused customers. LTP was the right choice to validate and elevate its innovative offerings,” she said.
Noormawarni shared that by participating in LTP, NFA Technologies aimed to achieve several key objectives, namely validation and credibility, market differentiation, regulatory compliance, customer assurance, and benchmarking innovation.
“Through these outcomes, we, at NFA Technologies, aim to solidify our position as a leader in sustainable, technology-driven product innovation,” she said, acknowledging that the LTP testing and recognition process was a comprehensive journey that presented both straightforward and challenging elements.
Commenting on the support provided by Bioeconomy Corporation throughout the LTP process, Noormawarni praised the exceptional guidance provided, which played a vital role in ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for NFA Technologies.
“Overall, LTP offers tangible benefits that can help bio-based companies build credibility, expand their reach, and ensure their products meet global standards,” said Noormawarni.
-- BERNAMA
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