Every item that we make, every resource that we use and every product that we waste has an impact on the planet. This sentiment even holds true for the beauty industry. Your tube of lipstick has a bigger impact than many of us realize. Yet, while the idea of using clean ingredients has caught on, sustainable packaging or other environmentally friendly initiatives haven’t been at the forefront in the industry. The Sustainable Beauty Coalition aims to change that. Formed by the British Beauty Council on July 1st of this year, industry leaders join together to find solutions to help the beauty industry be a part of the solution (and not the problem) of the climate crisis.
The aim of the coalition is to bring together industry experts from companies like Avon, Lush and Floral Street Fragrances to “develop a clear strategy, roadmap and initiatives which will accelerate the sustainability efforts of the industry.” And, by making sustainable beauty a priority in the U.K, perhaps other countries will take note and be influenced to change.
Urgent Change Is Needed Now
89% of 10,500 ingredients used in personal care products have not been evaluated for safety by the CIR, the FDA, nor any other publicly accountable institution
~ Environmental Working Group
There is an argument that the beauty industry is not regulated enough and that makes it a catalyst for health and environmental risks. One example is a series of studies done by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) showing that ingredients labeled by the US government as safe are also “known or probable carcinogens.” Other ingredients that are popular in beauty products like triclosan are known to be highly toxic to aquatic animals.
There are also environmental and health concerns about the plastic waste from packaging. An estimated 120 billion pieces of plastic packaging are attributed to the beauty industry worldwide. Unfortunately, the average household doesn’t recycle lipstick tubes or empty eye shadow palettes. According to the EPA, less than 30% of plastic packaging is recycled. This plastic waste contributes to toxins leeching into the soil and water resources close to landfills and greenhouse gases being emitted that contribute to global warming.
What The Coalition Will Do
The Sustainable Beauty Coalition will focus on three key areas. The first is Transparency and Accountability which will provide clear information to help consumers and brands understand what sustainability means. Standards and Certification will offer industry-wide measures to ensure that certain standards have been properly vetted. The last pillar is Innovation and Technology which will explore how technology can fuel sustainable growth within the industry.
These focus areas will bring together a broader range of experts within the beauty industry to help support the race to reduce carbon emissions and develop a stronger framework for green initiatives.
What This Means For Consumers
For British consumers, this coalition could be the beginning of an industry changing to be better. Instead of niche brands offering zero-waste packaging, more beauty brands could offer refillable cases and biodegradable packaging. This would be done through the coalitions education programs and various leading brands and experts coming together to develop sustainable solutions. These are just a few key areas that the coalition can make a difference that can drive change for the beauty industry as a whole.
As larger brands begin to take notice of how they’re impacting the environment and begin to change, that makes it easier for smaller brands who have a limited pool when it comes to the supply chain. And, as brands begin to focus on and advertise their sustainable initiatives, more consumers can become aware of how products affect their health and how their habits ( for instance to recycle or not recycle) are impacting the planet that we live on.
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