Hello readers,
Welcome to #CircularTuesday on CleanbuildVoices!
Single-use products which are often thrown away after outliving their purpose are a serious problem for all industries, not excluding the beauty industry.
In this edition, we are strolling into the glamorous world of the beauty industry to see how the circular economy is practiced. For beauty brands that are yet to board the sustainability wagon, this piece will provide useful insights that you might want to explore.
More than ever before, consumers and companies alike are looking for ways to reduce waste as much as they can. Little wonder the circular economy has become a buzzword in sustainability. As a refresher, a circular economy is one that aims to remove waste through the continuous, circular use of resources.
One approach to a circular economy is reducing or eliminating the use of single-use or non-recyclable products. This practice is essential especially in this fight against climate change.
In the cosmetic industry, clean beauty is not just a trend, it is now seeing greater adoption. Cosmetics companies are pushing for new natural products for skincare, make-up, toiletries, and taking care with their product design and packaging.
Beyond raising their status as an eco-friendly enterprise, applying the circular economy model makes sound business. For instance, it raises a brand’s reputation as far as eco-conscious consumers are concerned. Also, through sustainable manufacturing processes, cosmetic brands can cut costs and create employment opportunities.
While some consumers want circular beauty too and are willing to recycle to that effect, many are particularly apathetic to the idea.
To fix the lack of interest, brands should engage their customers and educate them on the environmental benefits of embracing circular beauty. Giving them incentives in terms of price reductions when they buy your products or bonuses can also go a long way to inspire them.
Below are three key areas where environmentally-friendly cosmetic brands can adopt circularity as a sustainable business model.
Promote a recycling culture
To make a success of this, engage your consumers and make it easy for them to recycle your beauty products. To illustrate how this can be done, they can simply buy their favorite product at their favorite retailer in a reusable container and then drop it off like waste and get a deposit in exchange.
Practice upcycling
Many beauty brands focus on upcycling as a sustainable business model. They transform by-products, waste, and useless or unwanted materials into new beauty products that are of better quality and environmental value.
Design sustainable packaging
Cosmetic companies like credo beauty, are taking action to eliminate single-use masks and wipes. In a similar manner, beauty companies can utilize biodegradable carbon-neutral materials and ingredients.
Watch this space as we’ll be back for another edition of #CircularTuesday next week.
