Sustainable Beauty: Celebrating Italian Craftsmanship

Summary of the Benefits of Italian Craftmanship for Sustainable Beauty: 

• The global beauty industry contributes to and faces many sustainability challenges
• Many brands are evolving to not only increase their efforts but help create solutions
• While many American brands are doing their part, US cosmetic regulations are lagging behind other countries like the EU 
• These stricter standards mean companies continually improve in all areas of the production process from deforestation for raw ingredients to recyclable packaging 

Introduction: Embrace Sustainable Beauty

Did you know that the global beauty industry produces 120 billion units of packaging each year? Or that one-third of all food produced globally—around 1.3 billion tons—is wasted annually, much of which can be upcycled into beauty ingredients? Although there are many daunting statistics regarding beauty product waste, brands are increasingly making efforts to not only decrease the multiple evolving problems facing the beauty industry but also solve them.  

What is Sustainable Beauty?

Sustainable beauty is the practice of creating beauty products that minimize environmental impact while prioritizing ethical sourcing, clean ingredients, and eco-friendly packaging. It involves using natural or responsibly sourced ingredients, reducing carbon footprints, avoiding harmful chemicals, and adopting sustainable manufacturing practices. Sustainable beauty supports long-term environmental health and promotes transparency and respect for both consumers and the planet.

Modern Day Sustainable Beauty:

In today's beauty industry, sustainable beauty has evolved —it is now a critical standard shaping the future of skincare and haircare.  Brands that prioritize sustainable beauty practices lead the way by emphasizing the use of sustainable materials, sustainable products, upcycled ingredients, and the circular economy to reduce waste and create more effective, eco-friendly products. At the forefront of this movement is Italian craftsmanship, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly to produce luxurious yet environmentally responsible products.  

The History of Recycling and Clean Beauty

The concept of recycling in the U.S. gained traction in the 1970s with the environmental movement driven by concerns about pollution and waste. Today, sustainable beauty has evolved into a holistic approach, incorporating ethical ingredient sourcing, eco-conscious packaging, carbon-neutral practices, and cruelty-free production. Brands now align with circular economy principles, ensuring that sustainability is not just a trend but a core part of their mission.

• 1970s: The Rise of Recycling. The environmental movement takes off, prompting early recycling efforts in the U.S. to reduce pollution and waste.

• 1980s: Early Beauty Efforts. Some beauty brands lead the way by introducing refillable containers and promoting cruelty-free products.

• 2000s: Evolution to Sustainable Beauty. Some beauty forerunners shift focus to eco-friendly packaging, using organic ingredients, and adopting more sustainable production practices.

•  2010s: Circular Economy. Beauty brands start to push the circular economy concept, offering refillable products and minimizing packaging waste.

• 2020s: Sustainability is Here to Stay.  More brands are committing to carbon-neutral production, upcycled ingredients, and full ingredient transparency.  Pact partners with beauty suppliers to recycle beauty product containers that are otherwise hard to recycle. 

Fortunately there are leading modern day brands for inspiration setting the standard with commitment to carbon-neutral production, upcycled ingredients, and full ingredient transparency. Sustainable beauty enthusiast Byrdie furthers this movement through its Clean Beauty Pledge, ensuring that only products free from harmful ingredients like parabens and phthalates are labeled clean. Pact has partnered with Beauty suppliers to tackle hard-to-recycle beauty packaging by making sustainability more accessible.  Some big brands are acknowleding and lightening their carbon footprint. Together, these efforts are pushing the beauty industry towards a more eco-friendly future.

What Are Sustainable Beauty Practices?

Of the 120 billion units of packaging produced yearly by the global beauty industry, a staggering 95% is thrown away significantly contributing to sustainability challenges in the beauty industry. Despite efforts to recycle, only about 9% of plastic waste actually gets recycled, and the complex designs of beauty product containers (like tubes and dispensers) make them even harder to recycle effectively.

Sustainable beauty practices go beyond product formulations and packaging; they include a range of sustainable practices and eco-friendly actions to encourage a sustainable beauty routine. From avoiding deforestation for materials and using recyclable packaging to opting for sustainably sourced natural ingredients, the beauty industry needs to focus on not only reducing its environmental footprint but solving the issues. Consumers can contribute by researching their brands and recycling beauty containers properly to promote a circular economy in beauty. 

Sustainable beauty includes but is not limited to:

Ingredient Sourcing:

• Use natural, organic, or upcycled ingredients.
• Ensure ethical sourcing practices (e.g., fair trade).
• Avoid harmful chemicals and banned substances.

Manufacturing:

• Implement energy-efficient and low-waste production processes.
• Reduce carbon emissions by using renewable energy sources.
• Ensure compliance with strict environmental regulations (e.g., REACH in the EU).

Packaging:

• Minimize packaging waste and use recyclable or biodegradable materials.
• Offer refillable or reusable packaging options.
• Reduce plastic use and consider alternatives like glass or aluminum.
• Know the nuances of sustainable packaging 

noissue (custom sustainable packaging) x Origenere 

Transportation:

• Opt for eco-friendly shipping methods (e.g., carbon-neutral or local distribution).
• Minimize the environmental impact by reducing the transportation distance of raw materials and finished products.

Product End-of-Life:

• Design products with recyclability in mind.
• Educate consumers on how to dispose of or recycle packaging.
• Encourage customers to return empty containers for recycling or refills.

Corporate Responsibility:

• Align with sustainability certifications (e.g., Leaping Bunny, B Corp).
• Engage in carbon offset programs to neutralize emissions.
• Practice transparency in sustainability efforts, reporting regularly on progress.

Sustainable Beauty: A New Era for Conscious Living

The beauty industry is evolving, with sustainable beauty brands and practices at the forefront of this transformation. These practices reflect the growing demand for products that are as good for the planet as they are for the personal care industry. However, the entire process of beauty products has to not only improve but start solving multiple issues.  By balancing tradition with cutting-edge innovation, the beauty industry can create a more sustainable future.

The Circular Economy Explained

The circular economy is reshaping the beauty industry by promoting sustainability at every stage of production. By reducing, reusing, and recycling raw materials in a closed loop, companies minimize waste and create products that align with sustainable beauty practices. This approach ensures that products not only deliver exceptional results but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Embracing a Circular Economy in Beauty

The circular economy is a transformative model that emphasizes reducing, reusing, and recycling materials throughout a product’s lifecycle. In the beauty industry, this shift moves away from the traditional "take, make, dispose" approach and promotes the use of recyclable packaging and upcycled ingredients.

Sustainable beauty products focus on using recyclable materials to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility. Many beauty brands and cosmetic brands are incorporating recyclable materials into their packaging and shipping supplies.  Some challenges smaller businesses face include higher minimums and  prices for recyclable materials.  Fortunately more packaging supplies brands like noissue are trying to help by offering sustainable solutions with lower minimum purchase requirements. 

However, there is no perfect material. Not even glass or aluminum.  Glass container pump dispensers generally are not recyclable unless disposed of properly, but the majority of consumers are not aware of this.  Aluminum packaging, while recyclable and durable, comes with environmental drawbacks due to the extraction of bauxite, the primary ore used in its production. Bauxite mining has been linked to environmental and ethical concerns.

By opting for refillable and compostable packaging options, consumers can contribute to a more circular cosmetic industry that minimizes its impact on the environment. Transitioning towards zero waste cosmetics is essential for a sustainable future within the beauty industry.

Italian manufacturers naturally embrace this model by creating a closed-loop system, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible. This commitment ensures that  beauty products are not only luxurious but also sustainable, contributing to a cleaner and greener future in line with EU eco-design regulations.

How Is Italian Craftsmanship a Forerunner in Sustainable Beauty? 

 

Italian craftsmanship has always been synonymous with high quality and attention to detail. In the sustainable beauty sector, this tradition merges with innovation, creating products that are both effective and environmentally responsible.  Italian manufacturing ensures that products adhere to the highest standards, with a focus on locally sourced upcycled ingredients from artisanal farms and a commitment to the circular economy.  Here are some examples of strict EU regulations: 

Cosmetic Ingredient Regulations (EC No 1223/2009):

• The EU bans over 1,600 substances, including harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates.
• In comparison, the U.S. FDA only restricts around 30 ingredients.

Animal Testing Ban:

• The EU completely bans animal testing for both cosmetic products and ingredients.
• In the U.S., animal testing is still permitted though not required.

Safety and Product Testing (CPNP Registration):

• All cosmetic products in the EU undergo rigorous safety assessments before market release.
• U.S. cosmetics do not require pre-market approval or centralized registration.

 Nanomaterials:

• The EU requires detailed safety information and notification to the European Commission for any use of nanomaterials.
• The U.S. does not have specific regulations for nanomaterials in cosmetics.

 Environmental Standards and Packaging (Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC):

• The EU enforces strict packaging waste regulations, requiring recyclable materials and eco-friendly designs.
• U.S. packaging regulations are less stringent and vary by state.

REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006):

• REACH ensures comprehensive chemical safety, with strict testing and restrictions on harmful substances.
• The U.S. TSCA law is less strict, with fewer chemical restrictions.

 Labeling and Ingredient Transparency:

• The EU requires full ingredient transparency, including allergens and nanomaterials, with standardized INCI labeling.
• U.S. cosmetics regulations are less stringent, allowing certain undisclosed ingredients.

Climate Change and Sustainability – European Green Deal:

• The EU mandates strict sustainability goals, including carbon neutrality by 2050 and circular economy models.
• The U.S. lacks a comprehensive national sustainability initiative for cosmetics.

EU No-Deforestation Regulation:

• Set to take effect by December 2025, this regulation aims to prevent deforestation linked to products in the beauty industry.
• Companies must ensure that ingredients like palm oil, cocoa, and soy are not sourced from recently deforested areas, promoting responsible sourcing and protecting biodiversity.

The Perfect Fusion of Nature, Science, and Art in Beauty

In Italian craftsmanship, la passione—the intense passion for life and creation—is at the heart of everything, blending nature, science, and art seamlessly to create sustainable, luxurious products. Inspired by Italy’s artistic heritage and natural landscapes.  Italian beauty practices are deeply rooted in a rich heritage dedicated to organic artisanal farming of biodiverse ingredients, but they also use modern technology. 

For example, Italian Ingredient suppliers use cutting-edge techniques like bioliquefaction and hyperfermentation, for upcycling ingredients such as olive byproducts and fermented rice water to extract maximum potency from these materials. This fusion reflects Italy’s age-old dedication to craftsmanship, where sustainable beauty products are crafted not just to be effective but to also honor the environment.

Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Beauty Practices

Bioliquefaction is a cutting-edge technology that breaks down plant materials at the cellular level, releasing the full potential of bioactive compounds. This process extracts 100% of the beneficial ingredients, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Hyperfermentation further enhances the potency of these natural ingredients by transforming them into more easily absorbable forms. Together, these technologies not only boost the efficacy of our products but also reduce environmental impact, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and innovation in beauty.

Exploring the Benefits of Upcycled Ingredients in Beauty

 Arancio Moisturizing Face Cream is made with upcycled boreal bark

Upcycled ingredients are repurposed by-products from other industries, that transform waste into high-value ingredients for skincare and haircare lines. For example, upcycled boreal bark, a by-product of tree harvesting, is used in Origenere's Arancio moisturizers for its rejuvenating properties including rich in antioxidants. Some popular Italian upcycled ingredients include tomatoes and olive phytocomplex derived from the by-products of olive oil production. Upcycled fermented rice water from the Piedmont region hydrates and strengthens hair. 

Globally, the olive oil industry generates 20-30 million tons of olive pomace annually, with only about 20% of the olive being used for oil production while the remaining 80% goes to waste. By using upcycled olive fruit complexes, this waste is repurposed into valuable cosmetic ingredients, such as antioxidants and natural preservatives. 

This approach not only minimizes waste but also reduces the need for new raw resources, significantly contributing to the circular economy in beauty. In turn, this practice helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, an essential step in combating climate change.

Conclusion: Crafting a Sustainable Beauty Future

As the beauty industry continues to evolve, sustainable practices are mandatory.  By embracing stricter standards like EU guidelines and Italian craftsmanship, reducing raw material deforestation, using upcycled ingredients, and focusing on the circular economy, brands are gearing toward a more sustainable future. 

Sources:

Circular beauty: upcycled ingredients in cosmetic products

Circularity in the beauty and wellness industry

Current Challenges and Opportunities for Circular Economy in the Beauty Industry: A Bibliometric Analysis

Innovative Approaches to an Eco - Friendly Cosmetic Industry: A Review of Sustainable Ingredients 

How Big Beauty is Going to Save the Planet

The Nuances of Sustainable Packaging

Liquefication of Biomass and Upgrading of Bio-Oil: A Review

The rise and rise of upcycled ingredients for cosmetics

What a waste! Exploring the circular economy for cosmetics products

Bilal M, Mehmood S, Iqbal HMN. The Beast of Beauty: Environmental and Health Concerns of Toxic Components in Cosmetics. Cosmetics. 2020; 7(1):13. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics7010013 Paraben Combounds-Part I: An Overview of Their Characteristics, Detection, and Impacts