Program

Session One: Industry Developments

Session Two: Green Materials

Session Three: New Technologies

The summit began with a discussion of the wider sustainability issues in the cosmetics industry. What sustainability issues are taking precedent? How are operators measuring their various impacts? What are the prospects for a new standardized approach for measurement and communications? How is the Environmental Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) landscape evolving? With climate change requiring greater urgency, how can operators decarbonize their supply chains? How can cosmetic brands make the transition to a circular economy? What changes in packaging are necessary? Such questions were addressed in the opening session.

Session Three: New Technologies

New technologies are having a disruptive influence on the cosmetics industry. They are changing the way raw materials are sourced and processed, the production of finished products, as well as distribution and marketing. This session looked at how new technologies are helping create sustainable products.

An update was given on blockchain technology. The use of plant cell technology to create active ingredients was discussed, followed by discussions on environmental impacts and frictionless technology. A case study was given of a brand that is using carbon captured molecules in its product formulations. Another speaker discussed the opportunities provided by artificial intelligence to create customized products. What are the sustainability benefits of such products?

Session Four: Marketing Update

Launching new sustainable products bring marketing challenges. Consumers have to be educated and informed of the green credentials of such products. With new developments, such as shampoo bars, waterless cosmetics and refillables, they also have to modify their behavior when using and disposing of such products. This session covered such marketing issues by the use of success stories.

A pioneering brand shared its experiences in marketing zero waste, plastic-free waterless products. Other case studies were of sustainable deodorants and genderless cosmetics. Some insights were given into the ethical consumer: what sustainability issues are most important to them, and what are the implications to cosmetic brands? To conclude, featured speakers discussed approaches to encourage sustainable behavior.