In today's rapidly evolving beauty industry, the conversation surrounding sustainability is becoming increasingly prominent. The urgent need to reduce our carbon footprint and embrace environmentally friendly practices is more critical now than ever before. The beauty industry, with its enormous influence and reach, has a substantial role to play in this shift towards a more sustainable future.

The Beauty Industry’s Impact

The impact of the beauty industry on the environment is significant and multi-faceted. According to a report by Zero Waste Week quoted in Forbes,

"more than 120 billion units of packaging are produced globally every year by the cosmetics industry, contributing to loss of 18 million acres of forest annually."  

These staggering numbers do not even account for the additional environmental repercussions such as water pollution due to harmful chemicals, high energy consumption, and a widespread reliance on non-renewable resources. The depletion of our natural ecosystems for packaging alone underscores the severity of the problem.

The Concept of Sustainable Beauty

Sustainable beauty encapsulates a broad range of practices that aim to minimise the negative environmental impact of the beauty industry. It revolves around using ethically sourced ingredients, prioritising renewable resources, reducing waste, and decreasing overall energy consumption. Equally important is the reduction of packaging, considering the detrimental effects associated with its excessive use.

Sustainable beauty, therefore, not only pertains to the end product itself, but also the entire lifecycle of a product - from sourcing the raw materials, to production, distribution, consumption, and ultimately, disposal. Embracing this concept of sustainable beauty is not only beneficial to our environment, but it also aligns with the increasing consumer demand for responsible and ethical consumption.

The Urgency for Sustainable Beauty Practices

The urgency for sustainable beauty practices is more apparent now than ever. Unsustainable practices in the beauty industry exacerbate environmental degradation, contribute to climate change, and deplete natural resources at an unsustainable rate. Furthermore, the rising awareness and concern about the environmental impacts of consumer products among consumers are driving the urgency for change. It is no longer sufficient to offer high-quality products; brands must now demonstrate environmental responsibility and ethical sourcing to remain competitive and relevant.

Implementations and Challenges of Sustainable Beauty

From using biodegradable or refillable packaging, reducing water usage in production, to sourcing ethically produced ingredients, brands are now paving the way for a more sustainable future in the beauty industry. However, there are significant challenges on this journey for brands everywhere. These include the higher costs associated with sustainable materials and processes, a lack of widespread consumer awareness, and regulatory issues that might pose barriers. But overcoming these hurdles is not impossible. Education, policy changes, and market demand for sustainable products can help drive this transition faster and smoother.

The call for sustainable beauty practices resonates with a more profound need to preserve our planet. The urgency is real, as our actions today directly impact the sustainability of our future. As we continue to navigate this era of environmental consciousness, the onus falls on both producers and consumers to choose sustainability over convenience. With collective action and conscious decision-making, we can usher in an era of sustainable beauty, preserving the environment while also enjoying the products we love.

For July why not try going plastic free and try out some of these products that are multi tasking and eco-conscious, Argan Cleansing bar (face, body and hair), Argan Multi balm (face and body). 

 Written by Remy Harman