How is the beauty industry going green?

 

How is the cosmetic industry going green?

The cosmetics industry may not have been the most environmentally friendly in the past, but some Scottish firms are trying to change that. Jo Childley is the co-founder of Beauty Kitchen, as well as Re, which works with other companies looking to explore the use of reusable packaging.

It wants to increase the reuse of packaging in an industry where 95% of containers are thrown away after one use. At his headquarters in Wishaw, he shows me empty cosmetic containers that once held things like oils and moisturisers. Customers can return their empty containers in a variety of ways, from in-store drop-off to free return by mail.

Containers are first pre-washed at the sink with water jets pointing upwards to remove any remaining product and then loaded onto spindles on the racks, allowing many different types of containers to fit. "It's like a big fancy dishwasher," says Ms Chidley. "The washing equipment we have here is medical grade, so that means it's used in things like hospitals or laboratories, it's a higher level. It uses water, heat and steam to do things to the standard you need."

Mrs Chidley, 50, studied chemistry at university. Her love of beauty and botany led her to experiment with making her own products and in 2014 she co-founded Beauty Kitchen. The company went through the logistical challenges of getting its own reusable packaging up and running, which subsequently led it to work with much larger companies, including Unilever. Ms Chidley says they are going back to when reusable packaging was the norm.

"What we've done is look at the past, but we've made it present," he says. Ms Chidley says they use technology to know exactly what was in the bottle or glass. “It means that when we bring it back here for cleaning, we know what cleaning protocol it has to go through.

This includes color tubes, salon towels and color-contaminated hair foils. In the past, films have been difficult to recycle due to the risk of chemicals destroying the entire recycling batch. It is now separated and can be handled in the normal way.

But what usually attracts the most attention is the recycling of human hair. Once it was swept to the trash, it is now swept and used. Some customers even take their hair clippings as a slug deterrent or as compost for the garden. This, along with prominent recycling bins, means that sustainability comes up a lot in the mirror conversation between stylist and customer.

"I have a team of 30," says Ms Linton.

"If all these people can tell two to five people a day that we recycle and how easy it really is, it will really spread the word and make it less daunting for people." The salon charges a 'green fee' of £2 to cover costs. Linton and Mac have partnered with specialist recycling service Green Salon Collective, which works with industry to prevent waste from going to landfill or incineration.

The hair is also woven into mats that can be used to mop up small oil spills on streets, gardens or workplaces. It can also be made into hair strands where it is stuffed into a sausage-shaped barrier to handle larger spills. In 2021 Northern Ireland, the Green Salon Collective used a hair boom to protect the coast from oil. At that time they collected about 400 kg of hair and consumed about 30-45 kg during the weekend.

"Unfortunately, the hairdressing industry has traditionally been quite wasteful," says Jess Rigg of the Green Salon Collective. He says most of this was because until now there were no solutions for major waste streams such as hair and paint-contaminated metal foil.

They cooperate with other specialists who make it possible to recycle things that once were not. Since setting up in 2020, they say they've noticed both customers and salons wanting to be more sustainable, and now have around 1,000 member salons across the UK and Ireland - which they describe as a "great number".

In recent years, the cosmetics industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, moving towards more sustainable and ecological practices. This eco-chic revolution is driven by consumer demand for products that are not only effective but also kind to the planet. In this article, we will explore how the beauty industry is going green and adopting environmentally responsible practices such as "sustainable beauty", "eco-friendly skin care" and "green cosmetics".

Sustainable resources:

One of the fundamental ways the cosmetics industry embraces sustainability is through sourcing natural ingredients. Brands are now actively seeking out organic and ethically sourced ingredients for their products. These ingredients are grown without harmful pesticides, which reduces the impact on the environment and promotes fair trade practices.

Clean and green composition:

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the ingredients in their skin care and cosmetics products. As a result, many beauty brands are opting for cleaner, greener formulations that eliminate harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. Instead, they incorporate plant-based and natural alternatives to create safer products for both consumers and the environment.

Minimum packaging:

Excessive packaging has long been a problem in the cosmetics industry. To combat this problem, many brands are now adopting minimalist and recyclable packaging. By reducing the amount of plastic and other non-recyclable materials, they minimize their carbon footprint and encourage customers to make more sustainable choices.

Refillable products:

Another innovative trend taking hold in the beauty industry is the introduction of refillable products. Brands offer consumers the option to buy refills for their favorite products instead of buying new packaging each time. This not only reduces waste, but also saves consumers money in the long run.

 such as "cruelty-free beauty" and "vegan cosmetics" are becoming more popular as consumers look for products that are not tested on animals and do not contain ingredients of animal origin. Many beauty companies proudly embrace cruelty-free practices and obtain certifications to reassure consumers of their commitment to ethical and sustainable principles.

Some beauty brands are taking their green initiatives a step further by implementing recycling programs. They encourage customers to return empty packaging, which is then recycled or remade into new products. This closed approach reduces waste and promotes a circular economy in the cosmetics industry.

To reinforce their commitment to sustainability, many beauty brands are seeking green certifications. These certifications, such as "Certified Organic" or "Eco Cert," serve as a badge of honor to signify that the brand has met specific ecological and ethical standards.

The cosmetics industry is undergoing a profound transformation as it adapts to the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products. From responsible sourcing to using clean formulations, minimal packaging and cruelty-free practices, the industry is making strides towards a greener future. As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainable beauty, it's clear that this eco-chic revolution is here to stay, reshaping the beauty landscape for the better. Adopting these green practices not only benefits the planet, but also empowers consumers to make conscious choices for a more beautiful and sustainable world.