Some projections are shaping the current cosmetics industry, such as more sustainability programs and standards, new technologies and new product formats. A greater emphasis on biodiversity and consumer behavior are also aspects that are becoming increasingly important. Let's take a closer look at some of the most important trends:
Carbon Neutrality and Reforestation
Let's have a look at some examples: Emma Lewisham is the first cosmetics brand in the world to implement a circular business model that has a positive carbon footprint and is 100 % closed loop. All emissions throughout the entire production and procurement process are measured in order to provide information on the carbon footprint of each product. This enables the brand to certify itself as a CO2-positive company and aims to reduce emissions to almost zero by 2030. Many other brands are committed to protecting biodiversity by reforesting to counteract the drying out of the soil and the falling water table. The small French label Omoyé, for example, donates 1 euro to the Fonds de Dotation pour la Biodiversité for every skincare product it sells, with the aim of planting 500 baobab trees in the Ferlo Nature Park in Senegal.
Waterless Formats
Water has become a global problem. More than one third of water is used for showering and personal hygiene. Accordingly, the beauty industry also has a responsibility and must find more sustainable solutions to conserve this vital resource. Water is the main ingredient in most cosmetic products. Therefore, anhydrous solid cosmetics, such as dry shampoo, offer an opportunity to reduce water consumption. In addition, anhydrous cosmetics usually require no or very few preservatives, which is why these products are also suitable for sensitive skin. They also generate less waste because they generally use less packaging and plastic. Often they’re smaller and lighter, less energy-intensive to transport, more concentrated and more economical.
Upcycling Beauty
Upcycling beauty is en vogue because customers want more sustainability, less waste and no waste of valuable resources. As with upcycling in other sectors, supposedly useless by-products or waste materials are transformed into new, high-quality products for upcycling beauty. The term does not refer to the packaging, but primarily to the ingredients in cosmetics that are reused. This sustainable trend was started a few years ago by a British cosmetics brand that used coffee powder from local London coffee shops for body scrubs and had great success with it.
Wildlife Friendly
Beauty should be ethical and responsible. Cosmetics companies tend to manufacture their products not only cruelty-free, but also vegan. Cruelty-free means without animal testing, which has been banned by law in Europe since 2013 – this applies to the end product and the ingredients that are used exclusively for cosmetic and body care products. Products that do not contain any animal ingredients or products of animal origin, such as milk or honey, are labeled as vegan.
Of course, technology is also shaping this industry. If you're interested to know what new role AI is playing in natural cosmetics, take a look at our latest post: Natural Cosmetics Meets Artificial Intelligence: IQONIC.AI at the VIVANESS 2024.
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