Planet

According to research released by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), since the late 1980s, human demand on the planet’s ecosystems has exceeded Earth’s biological carrying capacity. In other words, more natural resources are being wasted by humanity than the environment can realistically replenish (KPiotrowska, 2018).

The cosmetics industry relies heavily on scarce natural resources like minerals, petrochemicals, and palm oil. According to Lea d’Auriol, a sustainability expert and founder of Oceanic Global, palm oil accounts for one-third of the world’s oil market and is an ingredient in more than 70% of cosmetics (McLintock, 2023). The industry is now becoming increasingly aware that its mindset of being able to continue to carelessly take nature for granted, and use its resources in an unsustainable manner, is unacceptable and changes are being implemented across the supply chain (WWF, 2022). Data published by Zero Waste Week, states that over 120 billion packaging units of plastic are wasted each year by the beauty industry. Transitioning to a circular economy model can help the industry become more sustainable by reducing new resource use and waste.

A circular economy aims to eliminate waste through recycling, reusing materials, and reducing consumption (Geissdoerfer et al., 2017). The goal is to differentiate economic growth from natural resource use. For cosmetics companies, this means sourcing renewable, sustainably produced ingredients, using eco-friendly packaging, and minimizing manufacturing waste. Refillable containers, component reuse, and recycled materials enable companies to provide quality products while reducing environmental impact.

Of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production is especially relevant to the cosmetic industry (United Nations, 2015). This goal aims to promote resource and energy efficiency. The cosmetic industry’s heavy reliance on scarce natural resources makes resource efficiency critical. Additionally, packaging waste is a huge issue that needs addressing through responsible production. By embracing circular economy principles, cosmetic companies can minimise resource use and waste in line with Goal 12. If the cosmetic industry takes leadership in achieving this goal, it can drive broader sustainability efforts across all sectors. Some companies are already pioneering circular practices. Lush offers package-free products to reduce plastic waste. TerraCycle enables consumers to return used packaging for recycling. However, fully transitioning to a circular model remains challenging. Companies must rethink resource dependence and business models.

With strategic commitment, the cosmetics industry can meet consumer needs while restoring planetary health. The circular economy framework offers solutions for the radical change needed. By driving sustainability across the supply chain, cosmetics companies can significantly reduce their environmental impact and fulfil their social responsibility.

Reference list

Geissdoerfer, M., Savaget, P., Bocken, N.M.P. and Hultink, E.J. (2017). The Circular Economy – A New Sustainability Paradigm? Journal of Cleaner Production, 143(143), pp.757–768. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.12.048.

KPiotrowska (2018). Living Planet Report 2018. [online] WWF. Available at: https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/living-planet-report-2018 [Accessed 6 Oct. 2023].

McLintock, K. (2023). Is Palm Oil in Your Favorite Skincare Products? Here’s Why It’s Controversial. [online] Who What Wear UK. Available at: https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/palm-oil-beauty-products [Accessed 7 Oct. 2023].

United Nations (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda [Accessed 7 Oct. 2023].

WWF. (2022). [online] p.6. Available at: https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-05/WWF-Living-Planet-Report-2022.pdf [Accessed 6 Oct. 2023].