The next (Latin American) edition of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit will take place in São Paulo, 14-15th September 2016. The European edition will be hosted in Paris (24-26 Oct), whilst the Asia-Pacific edition will be in Hong Kong (14-15 Nov). The summits are designed for business, marketing and technical professionals in the beauty & related industries.
The North American edition (12-14th May 2016) of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit comprised a 2-day conference followed by an interactive workshop. View the summit pics here
Thursday 12th May: Day One
Session One: Sustainability Metrics
Session Two: Green Formulations
Friday 13th May: Day Two
Session Three: Marketing Innovations
Session Four: Ethical Labels Update
Session Five: Food and Cosmetics Convergence
Saturday 14th May: Day Three
Workshop: Formulating Functional Green Personal Care Products
Thursday 12th May: Day One
Session One: Sustainability Metrics
The
premier session discussed the growing use of sustainability metrics.
Although cosmetic and ingredient firms are looking to reduce their
impacts, there is some uncertainty as to what steps they can take.
Some of the common approaches to measure and lower environmental
footprints were featured in this session.
After the opening keynote, an update was given on the use of
lifecycle analysis. Details were given on how cosmetic and
ingredient firms can reduce their carbon emissions. Other papers
covered economic impacts, Cradle-To-Cradle Design approach, and
packaging impacts. The session adjourned with featured speakers
discussing the practical use of metrics.
Session Two: Green Formulations
When
addressing environmental footprints, the cosmetics industry has
invested considerably in green formulations. Ingredient firms are
developing raw materials with lower environmental impacts, whilst
cosmetic brands are increasingly using natural ingredients. This
session covered important developments in green formulations,
placing emphasis on specific product groups.
Most natural ingredients are used in skin care products, partly
because of functionality. The opening speaker discussed the use of
such ingredients for anti-ageing, skin whitening, and related
applications. Other speakers covered organic sun care products,
sustainable processing methods, and green exfoliants.
Friday 13th May: Day Three
Session Three: Marketing Innovations
This session gave an update on recent marketing developments for green cosmetics. An ethical cosmetics brand highlighted the marketing and distribution obstacles it faced in the North American market. A major Canadian food retailer gives insights into its sustainability initiatives, whilst findings were presented on the green consumer: what do they look for in natural beauty products? What are the motives to buy natural products? Guidance was given to brands looking to reach the green consumer.
Session Four: Ethical Labels Update
The number of ethical standards and labeling schemes is proliferating in the cosmetics industry. Initially launched for natural & organic products, new schemes are emerging to represent safe formulations and / or some sustainability aspects. This new session covered important developments in North America. At the end of the session, panelists discussed the future outlook for ethical labels: can we expect more labels or is some level of rationalization on the horizon?
Session Five: Food and Cosmetics Convergence
This session discussed the growing use of foods and cosmetics for beauty purposes. A medical expert stated the importance of nutrition for healthy skin and general well-being. How can changes in diet influence one's appearance? What vitamins and minerals provide skin nutrition? Another industry expert looked at the advent of nutricosmetics: nutritional supplements for beauty applications.
With a growing number of food ingredients making their way into cosmetic applications, proceeding papers covered recent developments. A pioneering company gave details o how it is using clean technology to develop fruit-based ingredients. Another paper discussed the formulation and technical issues of using food ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Marketing case studies were given of leading brands with food-based cosmetics. Featured speakers formed a panel at the end of the session to debate the sustainability issues when using food ingredients in cosmetics.
Saturday 14th May: Day Three
Workshop: Formulating Functional Green Personal Care Products
Following on from the green formulations session, this workshop tackled the major technical issues associated with green functional personal care products, such a
s natural / organic shower gels, hair styling products, sun care lotions, deodorants, etc.
The summit materials (conference papers and workshop pack) are available for a professional fee. Click here for further details.
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