Sustaining the sustainability trend

Sustaining sustainability trend the

he concept of sustainability is not a new focus within our economy or industry and given the increase in digital, there is now even more reason to adapt quickly if you are not shouting about your sustainability.

However, environmental sustainability doesn’t mean having to give up your fancy skincare products and make-up spoils to rub mud on your face instead. It means being mindful of the products you are using, ensuring that you are aware of the consumption of resources, and aiming to reduce unnecessary waste. High plastic usage According to an article published in Forbes Magazine in June 2019, the beauty industry is one of the biggest cosmetic players linked to high plastic usage due to packaging. In fact, Forbes states that 70% of the plastic in our industry is not recyclable. This sounds like a great business opportunity to me.

I believe that this is an area in which the industry needs to be mindful, and that brands need to start thinking of new ways to change packaging and boxes for transport to ensure it is environmentally friendly. T

Lauren Gibson has been in the health and skincare industry for over 10 years as well as in the IT and fashion industry. She has worked for Dermalogica for the last seven years as an educator, brand consultant and currently the regional manager for the Western and Eastern Cape.

laureng@dermalogica.co.za Brands have been making their products ‘clean’ for years but given the increase in social media and digital platforms, it is now the norm for brands to adhere to the sustainability trend to show that they are doing their part, writes LAUREN GIBSON. A small change in packaging, such as making products refillable, could not only lower the plastic uptake in the environment, but also lower carbon emissions by close to 70%. Sourcing ingredients With regards to product development, brands need to ensure they are looking into where the ingredients in their products are sourced from. Can these be duplicated in a lab instead, or extracted naturally?

I believe brands should start working on ‘green’ products with ‘green chemistry and innovation’. Ethical beauty This is another major focus for many brands and, to be honest, something that should have been started since the inception of the products. It speaks to skincare, make-up and hair products that are free of animal-derived ingredients. Furthermore, ethical beauty means not testing products or ingredients on animals. In many cases, this would mean such brands would not be allowed to be sold in China, as the Chinese government only allows products to be sold to its people if the products have been tested on animals.

An add-on to ethical beauty is the rise in the vegan trend within our industry, but also within households. This isn’t a fad or something that is going to disappear. With the rise in veganism, brands need to start adjusting formulas to ensure they can proudly call themselves vegan friendly and showcase it on their vegan friendly packaging.

Sustainability isn’t a oneorganisation job. It’s up to everyone. The government, the big corporates and brands, the people, and even what you do within your own home. Every action towards a greener world counts. PB

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