A greener way forward

Our planet’s biodiversity is under serious threat, yet our economy is closely linked to its delicate balance. At the same time, the far-reaching consequences of global warming are creating uncertainty for future generations.

However, a transformation is underway. Across society, people are adopting eco-friendlier mindsets and making a conscious choice to be agents of change. And as part of this transition, they are opting for sustainable alternatives and demanding accountability from businesses.

So as an industry, how can we all respond to this clarion call?  At dsm-firmenich, we have adopted an approach that combines the essential, the desirable, and the sustainable. At its center are the principles of circular economy, where efficacy and sustainability converge to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between human progress and environmental conservation. In practice, this means embedding eco-friendliness into products and services.

Where performance and
eco-friendliness meet

In sun care for instance, all of us must consider the end-of-life impact that UV filters have on aquatic ecosystems. From an industry perspective, however, we need to find ways to do this without compromising on efficacy and cost.  The newest UVA absorber in our comprehensive portfolio of UV filters can help formulators balance these needs. Suitable for sunscreen products, face care and color cosmetics, PARSOL® DHHB features technical essentials such as broadband protection (when combined with effective UVB filters), SPF contribution, and compatibility with other market UVB filters and zinc and iron oxides. But as it also achieves a high eco-score in the Sunscreen Optimizer™ 2.0, it addresses another essential too–making sunscreen products as environmentally friendly as possible. 

When it comes to skincare, the market increasingly demands sustainability as well as performance. Natural ingredients like the fair trade, organically cultivated actives in our ALPAFLOR line and clean beauty alternatives like our anti-ageing hero RETINOL CB 50 are one way to meet these criteria. To further reduce pressure on the planet’s limited resources, however, we can also look to biotechnology. For example, our tightening and firming active, PEPHA-TIGHT CB is derived from microalgae grown in photo bioreactors, giving consumers the reassurance of proven skincare benefits from a renewable source. Sustainable innovations such as this can help pave the way to a circular, bio-based economy. In today’s world, synthetic ingredients should have as low an environmental impact as possible too – so we produce our Vitamin E with efficient processes powered by renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint.

There are also greener ways to deliver benefits in the scalp and haircare segment. A waterless formulation like our  shampoo powder, for instance,  can save 35% on greenhouse gas emissions along the supply chain1 by transporting less water compared to a conventional liquid shampoo2,  while use of reusable packaging helps reduce waste.

The formulation includes the 100% natural moisturising active, PENTAVITIN® which is proven to hydrate and strengthen the scalp barrier and reduce sebum and flaking.

Sustainability beyond products 
and ingredients

Exploring and developing renewable alternatives is key to building a portfolio fit for the future. To have a lasting, positive impact, however, companies need to look beyond products and ingredients. At dsm-firmenich, this means decisive action to empower employees, support local communities and form partnerships with suppliers like the farmers who grow our organic plant extracts for skincare. Concepts such as menopause care and targeted solutions for individuals with melanin-rich skin are also part of our commitment to promoting wellbeing, throughout society – as are public health awareness initiatives like our destination healthy skin campaign and free skin cancer screenings. Accountability matters too.  So, for full transparency, we issue environmental, social, traceability and identity data for our ingredients, in the form of an Imp’Act™ card. 

To meet the challenges facing our planet, we all need to play our part. Join us in creating a more sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future.

References:

 1 Excluding use phase and manufacturing, as they remain identical regardless of the format.

 2 Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted on our In-fact Powder Shampoo against standard liquid Shampoo.