CosmeticsDesign spoke to four experts on different segments of the beauty industry, research and development, packaging, ingredient supply and consumer interest, how they view circularity today, and how the industry can approach economic theory in practice.
Giorgio Dell’Acqua, Chair of NYSCC
Many aspects of the circular model are familiar with the sustainability approach, so conservation and reuse are very important. In the development of a cosmetic product or ingredient, the concepts of circularity and sustainability can overlap. Green chemistry, environmental conservation, pollution reduction, waste reduction, minimal water consumption and recycling of the final product are taken into account in the production process. An example of an integrated circular model is also the creation of industrial poles that use different components of the same raw material to maximize their capacities and reduce waste.
Lauren Goodsitt, Associate Director of Global Beauty & Personal Care at Mintel
Innovation is a crucial component of the cosmetics industry, but it can create unnecessary waste concerns. Greater attention to sustainability places environmental responsibilities on both end users and companies. Brands that make sustainability impacts clear and tangible will help consumers justify switching to greener or more ethical brands. Consumers are looking for measurable metrics and will be loyal to brands that emphasize their ethical operating practices. As consumers push brands to reinvent their strategies to better align with their values, brands will be tasked with finding creative ways to demonstrate their commitment to circularity.
Svanika Balasubramanian, CEO and co-founder of the packaging consultant rePurpose Global
As the beauty industry grows rapidly, it’s refreshing to see a shift within the industry to shift gears and revamp packaging approaches to be more circular today. While this is an incredible first step, now more than ever brands are being pushed to integrate circularity at every stage of their value chain in a holistic and transparent way rather than as an isolated move at one point in time. In our experience, by helping over 100 personal care brands take true plastic action, circularity is an important key to unlocking the systemic change the world needs.
Sandro Sato, Global Segment Leader Cosmetic Actives & Sensory Enhancers at Dow
Circularity is clearly more advanced on the packaging site. For specific areas of cosmetics, you also have the ingredients following the trends of an earlier stage. The maturity curve is different depending on the segment you are really considering. Other cosmetics weren’t really focusing on natural products. There are several reasons for this. One reason is that they have failed to find an alternative to silicones or other alternative ingredients that match the same level of performance, as silicone is known to lead. The cosmetic industry is preparing more and more. It’s no longer about being 100% natural, it’s really about being more sustainable with the right kind of ingredients. It is a transformational journey that the cosmetics industry is going through and the maturity curve will be different depending on the segment you are looking at.