In many cases raw materials are biggest contributors to total CO₂ emissions of products, which is why manufacturers need to focus on sustainable sourcing and supplier engagement. Suppliers are offering a variety of initiatives to help producers with sustainability. For example, for many cosmetic materials there are now web-based digital tools, some AI driven, which are being offered by companies to help formulators find replacements for less sustainable cosmetic materials, to help them calculate Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) and to track greenhouse gas emissions. Online tools are also available to help identify ingredients and formulations that meet specific sustainability criteria, such as biodegradability or their content of renewable carbon. Some suppliers prioritise ethical sourcing, and have non-deforestation policies, while others offer third-party certification, to confirm the sustainability credentials of their materials. Another approach to reduce waste and conserve resources, is to use upcycled by-products from other industries in cosmetics. Increasingly, new and nature-identical cosmetic ingredients are being produced using green chemistry practices or through biotechnology. These lessen the often controversial use of land for cultivating cosmetic ingredients.

It is encouraging to know organisations such as the RSPO are facilitating cross-industry collaboration among diverse stakeholders through their multistakeholder structure, working groups and events like their annual Roundtable Conference. Cosmetics Europe’s “Commit for Our Planet” initiative is an example of another industry-wide collaboration to reduce environmental footprints, improve packaging solutions and act for nature.

Although greenwashing remains a concern and the complexity of assessing sustainability makes it difficult to manage choices between materials, manufacturing processes, packaging etc. Through innovation, collaboration and a commitment to transparency, the industry is contributing to the global efforts to combat climate change and foster a more sustainable future for all.

References and notes

1. Giorgio Dal Prato, Panel discussion on Detergency, HPC Today journal, 17 (1), 32-52, 2022 https://www.teknoscienze.com/Contents/Riviste/Sfogliatore/HPC1_2022/34/
2. Felix Mueller, Panel discussion on Surfactants, HPC Today journal, 18 (5), 50-70, 2023 https://www.teknoscienze.com/Contents/Riviste/Sfogliatore/HPC5_2023/52/