The sustainability of the beauty and cosmetics industry is complex and goes beyond marketing phrases such as natural and organic. It covers the entire supply chain of ingredients from sourcing, testing and impact on human health as well as packaging and consumer behaviour. To complicate the mix, sustainable brands might not necessarily be ethical, and vice versa.
However, many of the larger firms in the industry finally appear to be making changes with Olay testing refillable packaging and L’Oreal reducing carbon emissions by 77%. While this is promising, many warn that ‘greenwashing’ is rife in the sector as brands attempt to jump on what is now seen as one of the biggest growing trends in the sector. This makes it even harder for consumers to make good decisions.
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REAL is a community interest company that aims to support citizens and organisational leaders to transition to carbon zero and sustainability, founded by Safia Minney & friends.
