In today’s globalized era, the cosmetic industry has a big influence, providing a variety of products to suit consumers’ wants by boosting personal appearance and allowing individuals to express themselves artistically. Despite these advantages, the cosmetic sector has a significant impact on the rise of plastic pollution, unsustainable resource consumption, and wasteful packaging, which totals 120 billion dollars each year. (Fletcher, 2023) These have had environmental consequences; therefore, tackling the environmental and socioeconomic difficulties generated by the industry’s practices is important. To handle these difficulties, the industry is rapidly embracing circular economy and sustainability, which are both founded in the framework of the “planet.” 

Circular economy is a cutting-edge model designed to minimize waste, increase resource efficiency, and reuse packaging and products to reduce the environmental impact of production and consumption. (2023) This strategy opposes the traditional “take-make-dispose” linear economy (Uhm, 2023) and places an emphasis on a sustainable and cyclical process, such as the three concepts of a sustainable life cycle for cosmetics: reduce, reuse, and recycle. (Author links open overlay panel Ana M. Martins et al., 2023) Furthermore, MAC Cosmetics’ “Back to MAC” program, which encourages customers to return empty containers, is a real example of circular economy. Customers who purchase six containers will receive a complimentary MAC lipgloss, lipstick, or eyeshadow. (Abelman, 2019) As a result, the company anticipates collecting 300,000 to 500,000 kilograms of cosmetic packaging every year. (2023) MAC is demonstrating resource efficiency and consumer participation as it reduces the need for new packaging materials. This not only exhibits the necessity of sustainability, but it also reinforces brand image by portraying the company as socially responsible. It fosters consumer loyalty and competitive advantage.

In addition, like with the cosmetics industry, sustainability in the fashion industry refers to attempts to reduce environmental and social repercussions. It entails minimizing harm to people and the environment while improving the well-being of those who engage with it and the environment in which it is made and used. (2022) SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production is one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal that has major importance and impact on the fashion industry. (Chatardová, 2018) This goal promotes long-term consumption and manufacturing habits. SDG 12 encourages the fashion industry to decrease waste and implement ethical labor practices, thus contributing to a more sustainable and responsible global fashion economy. It promotes ethical ingredient procurement, eco-friendly packaging, and waste reduction in cosmetics. In conclusion, the cosmetics and fashion industries adoption of circular economies and sustainability practices contributes to a more eco-conscious global economy.

References:

1. Abelman, D. (2019) M.A.C. is giving away free lipstick in exchange for Beauty empties, Allure. Available at: https://www.allure.com/story/free-mac-lipstick-recycling-program (Accessed: 15 October 2023). 
2. Author links open overlay panelAna M. Martins, A.M.M., Highlights•The sustainability of cosmetics must be addressed throughout the life cycle of the products.•This paper discusses and provides examples of recent developments in cosmetics sustainability.•Most research focuses on environmental sustainability; t, J.M.M. and AbstractThe cosmetics industry is increasingly concerned with the environmental (2023) A sustainable life cycle for cosmetics: From design and development to post-use phase, Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352554123002127 (Accessed: 13 October 2023). 
3. Chatardová, M. (2018) Fashion and the sdgs: What role for the UN? – UNECE. Available at: https://unece.org/DAM/RCM_Website/RFSD_2018_Side_event_sustainable_fashion.pdf (Accessed: 15 October 2023). 
4. Circular economy: Definition, importance and benefits: News: European parliament (2023) Circular economy: definition, importance and benefits | News | European Parliament. Available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/economy/20151201STO05603/circular-economy-definition-importance-and-benefits (Accessed: 13 October 2023). 
5. Fletcher, C. (2023) The environmental and health impacts of the cosmetic industry, Earth.Org. Available at: https://earth.org/environmental-impacts-cosmetic-industry/#:~:text=Unfortunately%2C%20things%20like%20excessive%20packaging,120%20billion%20units%20each%20year (Accessed: 13 October 2023). 
6. Mac revamps ‘back to mac’ recycling program (2023) Beauty Packaging. Available at: https://www.beautypackaging.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2023-03-30/mac-revamps-back-to-mac-recycling-program/#:~:text=The%20company%20has%20revamped%20its,of%20cosmetic%20packaging%20each%20year (Accessed: 13 October 2023). 
7. Uhm, J. (2023) Closing the loop: Circular manufacturing unleashed, LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/closing-loop-circular-manufacturing-unleashed-jay-uhm (Accessed: 15 October 2023). 

What is sustainability in the fashion industry? (2022) St. Catherine University. Available at: https://www.stkate.edu/newswire/news/sustainability-in-fashion-industry (Accessed: 14 October 2023).

In this blog entry, the planet pillar of the cosmetic industry is discussed. The planet Earth has always been viewed as the most habitable planet for organic life forms to reside however, due to the depletion of natural resources and the destruction of the Earth’s natural habitats. For reference, the 10 warmest summers in recorded history have all occurred after 2010 and the rate at which the Earth’s temperature rises has doubled each year since 1981 (Lindsey & Dahlman, 2023). The cosmetic industry has contributed greatly to this issue as it depends heavily on plastic for packaging and many natural resources such as palm oil. The high demand for these products has led to a culture of unsustainable extraction processes and the production of single-use, non-biodegradable packaging (Okafor, 2023).

Sustainability is defined as the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources to maintain ecological balance. There is an urgency to stop mass manufacturing plastic waste and environmental pollutants so sustainable methods to reduce plastic waste amongst other forms of waste must be implemented globally. An example of a sustainable method which was developed in the mid-1990s by John Elkington is the Triple Bottom Line (Slaper & Hall, 2011). It suggests including the social and environmental impacts of a business when calculating said business’ performance instead of focusing on just financial figures. This method encourages the business to take corporate social and environmental responsibility. In turn, the business moves closer to achieving sustainable goals. Another method is the execution of a circular economy. This is a system allegedly designed to reduce waste by not generating it. The three principles of this method are to get rid of waste and pollution, circulate products and materials at their highest value and replenish the natural resources in use (Ellen Macarthur Foundation, n.d.). The bi-products and wasted materials will be repurposed resulting in zero waste and renewed raw materials.

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development project which was implemented by the United Nations Member States in 2015 to reduce poverty and other disparities globally. An SDG relevant to the cosmetic industry is Responsible Consumption and Production. The industry needs to find ways to reuse the products that have already been manufactured. For example, creating new plastic packaging from recycled plastic milk jugs.

Bibliography

Lindsey, R. & Dahlman, L., 2023. Climate Change: Global Temperature. [Online]
Available at: https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-temperature#:~:text=According%20to%20NOAA’s%202021%20Annual,0.18%20%C2%B0C)%20per%20decade.
[Accessed 8 October 2023].

Okafor, J., 2023. Environmental Impact of Cosmetics & Beauty Products. [Online]
Available at: https://www.trvst.world/sustainable-living/environmental-impact-of-cosmetics/
[Accessed 8 October 2023].

PlasticPollutionCoalition, 2022. The Ugly Side of Beauty: The Cosmetics Industry’s Plastic Packaging Problem. [Online]
Available at: https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2022/1/25/the-ugly-side-of-beauty-the-cosmetics-industrys-plastic-packaging-problem
[Accessed 8 October 2023].

Planet is introduced as one of the 4 pillars of the cosmetic industry. Cosmetic products are used on a large scale on a global level, resulting in having major impacts on planet Earth from increasing numbers of chemical compounds concocted to the effects of mass production, as well as the use of plastic packaging.

In 2021,  the  European  Parliament defined,  “The circular economy is a model of production and consumption,  which involves sharing, leasing, reusing,  repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this  way,  the life  cycle of products is extended.” (Boidurjo Rick Mukhopadhyay 2021). The circular economy has highlighted the importance of creating more sustainable products and how to be more ‘eco-friendly’, the fact that the cosmetics corporation is one of the fastest growing industries in terms of economy, with over 5 billion units of goods sold in the EU annually, and an estimated €79.8 billion in 2019 in the EU market (Cosmetics Europe, 2012a, 2019a). Sustainability in relation to cosmetics should have a holistic approach aimed at minimizing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of cosmetic product development, manufacturing, and consumption. It involves responsible ingredient sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, reduced energy and water consumption, cruelty-free testing methods, fair labour practices, and a commitment to long-term economic viability.

The growing concern of emerging environmental pollutants and organic contaminants from products containing UV filters and absorbers, both organic and inorganic, and silicones which are frequently found in cosmetics are essential ingredients. The chemical makeup of the UV filters and silicon have become emerging environmental pollutants in oceans and freshwaters, (Pablo Gago-Ferrero 2012). Tiny particles of titanium dioxide (the main active ingredient in inorganic UV filters) affect fish, algae, and sea creatures. Some research showed that nano-TiO2 had little impact on these aquatic organisms, but it became more harmful when exposed to UV radiation or strong sunlight because it produced harmful substances. Two commonly used siloxanes, cyclopentasiloxane and cyclopentasiloxane, are harmful and can build up in aquatic creatures. (Muhammad Bilal 2020).

“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.” (United Nations 2023)

There are 17 SDGs, the SDG 11 of life below water is something that the cosmetic industry has grave implications on as the result of products and active ingredients having adverse effects on sea life and preservation.  

Reference

Bilal, M., Mehmood, S. and Iqbal, H.M.N. (2020). The Beast of Beauty: Environmental and Health Concerns of Toxic Components in Cosmetics. Cosmetics, 7(1), p.13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics7010013.

Gago-Ferrero, P., Badia-Fabregat, M., Olivares, A., Piña, B., Blánquez, P., Vicent, T., Caminal, G., Díaz-Cruz, M.S. and Barceló, D. (2012). Evaluation of fungal- and photo-degradation as potential treatments for the removal of sunscreens BP3 and BP1. The Science of the Total Environment, [online] 427-428, pp.355–363. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.03.089.

Mukhopadhyay, Boidurjo Rick & B.K.Mukhopadhyay, Dr. (2021). What is the Circular Economy?. 4 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354462443_What_is_the_Circular_Economy

United Nations (2023). United Nations Sustainable Development. [online] United Nations Sustainable Development. Available at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/.

The planet. The planet is our only source of life, destroying it would mean eradicating everything. It’s highly appropriate that the first pillar of the fashion business school is The Planet given that the world produces 92 million tons of textile waste every year (Ruiz, A, 2023). It’s time for accountability to take precedence over sustainability; those who are most responsible for polluting the planet hold it’s future in their hands. 

So how do companies continue to operate whilst being environmentally conscious? Through a circular economy, a system to reduce waste produced and what waste is produced should be able to be regenerated back into the environment or reused (Ellen Macarthur foundation, 2021). 

The trend of sustainability has made its way into the cosmetics industry with claims of having an 100% recyclable range and lowering their use of virgin plastics by 41% (The Inkey List, 2022). Not only is the increase in sustainability in cosmetics beneficial for the environment but also appeases consumers and clears them of any guilt they may feel through unethical transactions. A satisfied customer base leads to increased sales and brand reputation (Bom. S, Jorge. J, Ribeiro. H.M, Marto. J, 2019). 

There are quite a few UN SDG’s that impact the cosmetics industry and in turn impact the planet. One being SDG 5 Gender Equality. Gender equality and views on gender are found throughout the cosmetics industry from face washes that practically have identical formulations yet are separated by labels of “For Woman” and “For Men” or moisturizers separated by pink/”girly” packaging or dark/”cool” packaging. These subtle cues on how gender is perceived impact everyone and everything. As a society gender inequality is still a very big issue from Roe v Wade being overturned(BBC, 2022) or much recently anti trans comments made from the Priminister Rishi Sunak (Billson. C, 2023). The fuel added to the misogyny and transphobia slows down the process of a more sustainable future. If humans cant look beyond their differences how will they be able to protect the future of the planet when they have to protect themselves from each other first. 

Reference list:

(Ruiz, A, 2023) 17 Most Worrying Textile Waste Statistics & Facts – https://theroundup.org/textile-waste-statistics/#:~:text=Global%20Fashion%20Industry%20Waste,clothing%20material%20is%20actually%20plastic.

(Ellen Macarthur foundation, 2020) Circular economy introduction – https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview

(The Inkey List, 2022) Knowledge Powers Change – https://uk.theinkeylist.com/pages/knowledge-powers-change

(Bom. S, Jorge. J, Ribeiro. H.M, Marto. J, 2019) A step forward on sustainability in the cosmetics industry: A review – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652619309655?via%3Dihub

(BBC, 2022) Roe v Wade: What is US Supreme Court ruling on abortion? – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-54513499

(Billson. C, 2023) Rishi Sunak doubles down on anti-trans comments made at Conservative Party Conference – https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/10/06/rishi-sunak-transphobic-comments-conservative-conference/

Since the 1960s, the global production of plastics has been multiplied by twenty, spanning 322 million tons by 2015. Less than 30% of the approximately 25.8 million tons of plastic produced each year in Europe is recycled, leaving the majority of plastic to be landfilled or incinerated (Cinelli et al., 2019). The disposal of plastic waste leads to land, water, and air pollution, consequently endangering animal and human lives through entanglement and ingestion, and contributing to global warming through the release of methane and carbon dioxide from microbial degradation of plastics (Alabi et al., 2019).

Circular economy has been defined as an economic structure established on business configurations that replace the ‘end-of-life’ concept with reducing, recycling, reusing and recovering materials in the production, distribution and consumption processes, hence performing at the micro level (companies, products, consumers), meso level (eco-industrial parks) and macro level (city, region, nation and beyond), with the intent to achieve sustainable development, therefore simultaneously building environmental quality, economic prosperity and social equity, to the interest of current and future generations (Kirchherr et al., 2017).

The term ‘sustainable’ is defined as using natural resources whilst intending to meet human needs and preserve the environment, so that these needs can be met in the present and additionally in future generations. There are several ways a cosmetics business can achieve sustainability: the use of natural/organic materials (grown without toxins, chemical pesticides or herbicides, and using sustainable farming practices), not testing on animals, recycled packaging, and giving back to the planet through donations to environmental research or causes (Csorba and Boglea, 2011).

The United Nations has 17 sustainable development goals that present a shared model for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. The twelfth goal is to ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns. Cosmetic companies can work towards the targets outlined under this goal through reducing their plastic waste generation through recycling, reduction and reuse, as well as integrating sustainability information into their reporting cycles (United Nations, 2023). Specifically, the industry should adopt sustainable practices such as using biodegradable, natural ingredients in formulations, and avoid the use of microplastics in products. Likewise, product packaging should be recycled and reused, and if this is impractical due to contamination, packaging should also be biodegradable to reduce the amount of plastic waste created (Thukaram, 2019).

Reference list

1. Alabi, O.A., Ologbonjaye, K.I., Awosolu, O. and Alalade, O.E. (2019) Public and environmental health effects of plastic wastes disposal: a review. Journal of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, 5(021), pp.1-13. Available at: https://doi.org/10.23937/2572-4061.1510021 (Accessed on 6/10/23)
2. Cinelli, P., Coltelli, M.B., Signori, F., Morganti, P. and Lazzeri, A. (2019) Cosmetic packaging to save the environment: Future perspectives. Cosmetics, 6(2), p.26. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics6020026 (Accessed on 6/10/23)
3. Csorba, L.M. and Boglea, V.A. (2011) Sustainable cosmetics: a major instrument in protecting the consumer’s interest. Regional and Business Studies, 3(1 Suppl.), pp.167-176. Available at: https://journal.ke.hu/index.php/rbs/article/view/455/949 (Accessed on 6/10/23)
4. Kirchherr, J., Reike, D. and Hekkert, M. (2017) Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, conservation and recycling, 127, pp.221-232. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.005 (Accessed on 6/10/23)
5. Thukaram, M. (2019) A Green Thumbs-Up for the Future of Cosmetics. Chemical Engineering Progress, 115(10), pp.56-56. Available at: https://www.aiche.org/sites/default/files/cep/20191056.pdf (Accessed on 7/10/23)
6. United Nations (2023) The 17 Goals. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals (Accessed on 7/10/23)

The first pillar we’re talking about this week is planet, more specifically, the way the fashion and cosmetic industries affects the planet. More than 120 million units of packaging of cosmetic products are wasted each year, accounting for 70% of the industry’s waste, (plastic waste and environmental impact of the beauty industry, 2022). Today we will delve deeper into this problem, how both sectors contribute and how they are actively tackling this rising issue.

Circular economy is a structure where every material and product made can infinitely be recycled or biodegraded according to Gwilt (2021, p. 10). As shown in (Ellen MacArthur foundation, 2020) there are three important principles that circular economy is based around: eliminating waste and pollution, not using an outstanding number of finite materials and rebuilding the natural environment. 20% of global wastewater is responsible on behalf of the fashion industry as of Martina Igini (2023), so these three pillars give us a better understanding of how to tackle the damage already dealt to the planet.

Sustainability in relation to fashion and cosmetics is an ever-growing issue that is a top priority for brands to adhere to, we can see big brands do more for this cause with every new collection that arrives, for example, REN, the clean skincare brand has made a pledge to become zero waste since 2018. Their packaging is designed to be recyclable and reusable as more than 85 tons of post-consumer plastic is repurposed through their packaging, and they also contribute to removing more than 2.4 tons of plastic from the ocean. (REN, 2023)

The United Nations sustainable development goals consist of seventeen targets that contribute to the better future of the planet (United Nations, 2023). These goals were set to be achieved by the year 2030, after being set in 2015, there are yearly reports dissembling each goal and what has been achieved in that year to achieve the end goal. The goal that aligns the most with the fashion industry is the ‘responsible consumption and production goal’, with the new trend of companies releasing new products and lines every few months, the problem of consumer consumption is spiralling out of control. There must be a balance between anti-consumption and sustainable consumption (Vesterinen, E. (2022), we can see this in depth with companies using eco friendly packaging and labour. For example, the body Shop has a refill program where customers can refill their products in previously bought packaging to prevent adding to the packaging waste problem as discussed earlier (The body shop, 2023). They also source plastic from waste pickers in India, where they offer the workers a liveable income and honest working conditions to help fight the problem of underpaid workers in eastern Asian countries.

Reference list-

Gwilt, A. (2021) A practical guide to sustainable fashion. 2nd edn. London: Bloomsbury

Ellen Macarthur Foundation (2020) Circular economy introduction Available at: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview#:~:text=It%20is%20based%20on%20three,%2C%20people%2C%20and%20the%20environment. 

Igini, M. (2023) 10 concerning fast fashion waste statistics. Available at: https://earth.org/statistics-about-fast-fashion-waste/# (Accessed: 21 August 2023)

Plastic waste and environmental impact of the beauty industry (2022) Available at: https://zerraco.com/blogs/zerra-blog/plastic-waste-and-environmental-impact-of-the-beauty-industry#:~:text=How%20much%20waste%20does%20the,created%20for%20the%20cosmetic%20industry.

REN. (2023). About us. https://www.renskincare.com/pages/about-us?override=true#Text–template–15594439966767__4b2a3d42-3f0a-4d22-ba03-19dcee593fc4

Vesterinen, E. (2022) Sustainable anti-consumption of clothing: A systematic literature review. Available at: https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/777794/1-s2.0-S2666784322X00028/1-s2.0-S2666784322000158/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEJ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCICGj03ZYmJ%2BdVPo4fw5nOAKr%2FPOG2i9WWctkEN4GCwarAiEA9ciLTsmwAKaeMncVczuT%2FRyzCWkHg1s6K7LXacqP3lQqvAUIqP%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAFGgwwNTkwMDM1NDY4NjUiDJIDQiTCimOYjYqAmyqQBZIDhpH6OW8EIf7V4J4e8iICfqIqtJayZI9MX1IlN9vUqEGmG%2BmOy2gly6MXcC8WQt4UU0Cqds9%2BXoUO82HmYCy61pCZpnPuL706g7VloQkfpgTQoztQcPKQI7Kmo1guka6EF5bGfftZwZfEKARUySQDs%2BJi4OsY5TRqptlAVwlQCw8LBQSKLyHjco5tuJQWT9DL1xAr8R0vrCJ3shDt%2BagB2QMoAuF2Q%2BNHeVnUHQ8tXcEXCAxBCc3N0plmkwKvNmKJTmItD7DteO8yOphMaboQE0rBCs4sapkhKSP7rpy%2FWEC6GFYSfMvouOqPtEeF3qWxNrtJeErI5AkfFLB7Q%2Fu%2BJgjCgo3BFZYMe9DIVKogIfV4rHiZxxJvWH%2FtLkswyLeHjNKJWV9uX3z85YDkOPAi3jdijPH7LKXkWmejVd9P7smRBOHKdhUtNzFkm6WjZS5rXayuUQY01x4KfBBt8jFPO33WWOKCWVO3w4jCGCreLqIP8TIq4pEDhsdNgYY96frCDhsQMVYDIgtAPGZOsLSL9wZ9vh5hnBUp48UT9LhiS6zkUyd9ugm2EHYklCTSwUbwief79NgRBw1BI0x2LBuHRWBRJX%2BJJDGzxe8QxVAbHNDJGdisc4%2FLB7MxhjUWZwYNCFLooEMsPD9gIpwME5domEqVoPXrUqdwflRQ9WJZcf33zdJiEac5wU0s%2BTGFUH77Wj9MDVKU93brQUZQXcBvQwDrrIauNBZmCeWFjLY2yL1EiM1S5MhIDh6qFL3B3YaZBbMLKESF5ZSjOhYqf5exGTo7yHYNE2TKEV1KFYyW3nazk083A1hlhYBjE4nyXiRNMxrFjtaGLjJuKm0XHnasK10zj5cejaStXfDVuxYRMM2Fi6kGOrEB5x8zqFSc4Zf%2BTxenILgKMDx6fR%2B%2F4FkpTMWh0hhM9RnH%2FfplMDA7MQvEQ%2FaUSFl9TWC1OlUq6lTLIzggpTcCVxv2FciJWD%2FF7GNnuPKkTI254dZXJpo4RmlWoU%2FDUqfwK8BohgH0dB0kcQ9vk9f91JeA%2Bz9ElMMwW13Cra%2BzlqNVrFnUXdRR3gI49B9kgmo3J775w7jm2YVFg2QGfnnTutvmXjf7GjlQreKv8NNvHami&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20231008T161539Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQ3PHCVTYTOPLFKWV%2F20231008%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=268e07b50f3a354cba7e5b32b42c6d6eeb0e6319ddeb0d00c072243042025ff9&hash=d1bdd0cacc7ab4b7f57edf06c78c80c7b8526d638af7754247174934caeac8ef&host=68042c943591013ac2b2430a89b270f6af2c76d8dfd086a07176afe7c76c2c61&pii=S2666784322000158&tid=spdf-1a8e26c4-45cc-4c2f-b713-3a5c8163ece5&sid=08da2bb68ea426476968ff15edda834c9898gxrqb&type=client&tsoh=d3d3LnNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QuY29t&ua=1d045d5452020707570004&rr=812faf0eed97dcf3&cc=gb

United Nations (2023) The 17 goals. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

The body shop (2023) Our sustainability commitments. Available at: https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/about-us/brand-values/sustainability/sustainability-commitments/a/a00063

Fashion industry is interlinked with different matters such as our planet, which provides us with the natural resources that are needed to create different textiles to produce products to sell to consumers. Actions that are taken to provide people with products and sources they need directly affect our planet. The planet being the home for all living creatures there is a responsibility to protect the natural resources used by corporations to eliminate the waste created by ill-considered systems. 

There are new circulatory systems used to reduce waste in multiple continuous productions to repurpose the sources. However, there is a linear circulatory economic system currently used in the fashion industry which is based on “take-make-waste” approach (Stockholm Environment Institute, 2019). This system is setting the sustainability action back because of its lack of thoughtfulness towards the environment, and the focus on mass production. Instead, the intention should move towards being sustainable and reducing waste, such as oil usage and water waste. 

Global environmental change is ongoing and the relation between the beauty industry and our planet is massive. With creating these variety of products, the damage that has been caused by industry is increasing throughout the process. According to BBC, 8-10% of carbon emission and almost 20% of water waste is caused by the fashion industry with this irresponsible usage of resources is not only damaging the planet, but it is also creating an environment where there will be nothing left for industry to consume (Ro, 2020). With this issue being a predominant part of climate change it is important to raise awareness within the consumers and product developers to invest in better organizations who take these matters seriously. Such as Sustainable Development Goals developed by the UN in 2015 for completion by 2030 to save our planet. 

UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals are calling for a global partnership which is continuing to evolve. One of these goals, which is “Responsible Consumption and Production,” is the main issue in the fashion industry that is creating problems for humanity and the planet with its wasteful production systems that are taking over this matter. This goal has an impact on 7 of the goals and is impacted by 9 (Lim, Michelle M. L., et al. ,2018). This shows the recurring issue in industry which it is impossible to reach a result without taking care of all the many inconveniences that are dragging along the planet with them.