2024: A year of sustainability

One of the biggest sustainability challenges facing cosmetics brands is packaging and waste – throughout the supply chain through to end of product life. Since the wider issue of waste and recycling has come to the fore, the cosmetics industry and its impact on the environment have been under the spotlight and, with rising conscious consumerism, packaging and waste can be considered the ‘make or break’ factor for brands. However, packaging, compared to other elements of sustainability such as ethical product sourcing and ingredient manufacturing, is arguably an area that companies can have more control over. As such, it’s important that they leverage this opportunity to make positive change.
Estée Lauder, for example, has announced its partnership with an advanced recycling specialist in order to produce recyclable packaging solutions for its products. Meanwhile, stock packaging has emerged as a practical solution as a number of beauty brands are opting for pre-existing stock packaging solutions which not only reduce waste and carbon footprint but offer advantages in time and cost.
Many other brands are also making strides by using innovative packaging materials that are bio-based or plantbased such as mushroom or bamboo.

Taking a look at sustainability from a consumer perspective, the focus on clean and green beauty remains unwavering. This is fueled by a conscientious desire for more transparency and products that contribute positively to the planet.
For example, in a world increasingly concerned about global water scarcity, waterless products are predicted to rise in popularity as they are often more versatile, space-efficient, travel-friendly, and come with more manageable packaging, thus reducing the product’s carbon footprint.
Yet, amid the eco-conscious wave, there remain uncertainties regarding the veracity of the clean beauty claims. As such, it’s vitally important that the industry continues to prioritise transparency and trust, creating a genuine commitment to the well-being of people and the planet.

Another component of sustainability is wellness. Now a cornerstone of the beauty industry, wellness offers consumers a path to self-care that extends beyond just skincare and makeup: Consumers are seeking products that contribute to their overall health and wellbeing. We’re seeing this shift steering the industry in new directions, with trends like neurocosmetics that target stress, anxiety and mental health, leading the charge.

With a heightened environmental consciousness and social responsibility among consumers, it’s clear the industry is embracing a new ethos; one that places the well-being of the planet and its people at the forefront of beauty innovation, and this will form the core of in-cosmetics Global in Paris this year.