For consumers today, sustainability is important, and they are willing to switch loyalties to reduce environmental effects. They are adopting a green mentality and are looking for natural and organic ingredients. The beauty industry is responding to such demands by making eco-friendly products. Customers are becoming more mindful of their buying habits. Brands are promoting sustainability by following the practices given below.
Recycled packaging
The beauty industry uses 120 billion units of packaging every year, 95% of which are wasted after being used once. Keeping this in mind, some brands are adopting initiatives that are helping customers to adopt more responsible disposal decisions. Companies such as Burt’s Bees and L’occitane have partnered with Terracycle to recycle beauty packaging. Waste is also produced from single-use application products such as free samples or the ones received as promotions. Some companies have started to offer return-and-refill options. For that purpose companies have started to use glass and metal options that can be sent back to the manufacturer to be refilled with the same product. Consumers can also do their bit to recycle. They can use empty shampoo bottles to hold their makeup brushes.
Banning certain ingredients
Microbeads have been banned from being used as an ingredient in any beauty brand. They are tiny plastic beads that are used in soap. From the soap they reach the ocean and often enter the food chain. Companies are also using safer ingredients for cosmetics. They are replacing unnatural chemicals with safe and sustainable ingredients. For instance, Common Heir has launched a Vitamin C serum capsule which is made from algae and plant-based starch. The outer carton of the product is made from recyclable cardboard.
Eco-friendly manufacturing
The beauty industry is also resorting to practices that utilize renewable energy for manufacturing. Many companies have started manufacturing products in wind-powered factories. They are also including less water in their composition. For instance, Costa Brazil uses ingredients which are sourced from local farmers. This helps to maintain diversity and ensures preservation of the landscape.
The future of sustainable beauty products
Brands are stepping in to put the environment first. If recycling is not readily available to customers,companies are collecting packaging materials which are then reused and recycled. Palm oil, which has been used as an essential ingredient in many cosmetics, has caused harm to the environment. Companies are looking for alternatives and have started to use yeast-grown products that can be produced from organic waste. For instance, Biossance, a skincare range, uses sugarcane waste for packaging. It also balances its shipping by funding reforestation projects.