Elizabeth Segran, Ph.D.’s Post

Love that this article highlights the sustainability leaders and laggards in the beauty industry. We work with beauty brands to build or grow their sustainability roadmaps, aligning with sustainability frameworks and regulations in the US and abroad. Sustainability is quickly becoming a competitive advantage—if you don’t have a strategy, you’re not putting your best face forward.

The $430 billion global beauty industry produces an estimated 120 billion units of trash each year—waste that piles up even as “clean beauty,” which mainly refers to a product’s ingredients, takes off with consumers. Laney Crowell, an alum of Estée Lauder, founded the brand Saie in 2019 in an effort to meet consumers’ demand for a sustainable beauty brand. Backed by Unilever Ventures and G9 Ventures, the brand is popular on social media and sold at SEPHORA. While some might question whether adding more products to the world ultimately helps the industry’s waste issue—even if those products are more sustainability produced—Crowell argues that setting an example can have “massive ripple effects” that push the industry forward. Saie this week launched a new climate initiative, promising to reach carbon net-zero by 2039 and remove plastic from coastlines in partnership with the organization rePurpose Global. Read more from Fortune Most Powerful Women: https://lnkd.in/ew3ZkruF

Simply Explained: "Sustainable" Makeup and Beauty Greenwashing → Greenwashing alert: Don't fall for these "eco-friendly" beauty marketing tricks. → by Lorne Michael Cousins How to Spot Greenwashing in Makeup and Beauty Don't trust the pretty packaging--it might be 'lipstick on a pig'. Here's how to know if a "sustainable" makeup or beauty product is the real deal: Shady Labels: Terms like "natural" aren't regulated. A product can contain a single plant extract and call itself natural, even if it's loaded with other questionable stuff. Focus on Single Ingredients: A brand might make a big deal about one sustainable ingredient while ignoring other harmful ones in the formula. Vague Claims: Watch out for fluffy terms like "eco-conscious" without specific details to back them up. The Problem with Greenwashing Greenwashing isn't just misleading – it has real consequences. It makes it harder for... → Full Article: https://lnkd.in/gW-qSbHC #Essentials #Explained #Lifestyle #Sustainable #SustainabilityDirectory

The recent 2024 Sustainability Summit hosted by Sourcing Journal was a pivotal event uniting thought leaders, media and stakeholders in the fashion community. It was an opportunity for candid discussions and introspection on the current state of eco-friendly practices. The day was a microcosm of the broader narrative surrounding sustainability looking at exciting technological advancements like The LYCRA Company collaboration with QIRA as well as reflecting on current events, e.g. the development with Renewcell. Here are a few takeaways: - Confusion Breeds Stagnation: A prevailing sentiment was the perpetual state of confusion surrounding sustainability initiatives, which some perceive as contributing to a sense of stagnation . - Regulation as a Catalyst for Change: Many speakers emphasized that regulation might be the catalyst needed to propel the industry forward. As one panelist aptly noted, "Legislation is a Tsunami – it is coming." - Greenwashing and the Pursuit of Perfection: The issue of greenwashing surfaced prominently, with some brands adjusting their labels without reassessing their sustainability strategies. Discussions surfaced about the fact that too many brands prioritize perfection over tangible progress. - Educating Consumers: Despite consumers expressing willingness to pay more for sustainably- made goods, there is a discrepancy between sentiment and action. The industry must do a better job of communicating role consumers can play in addressing sustainability. A few thoughts thoughts from an amazing group of panelists: Michael Levine of Under Armour talked about their three design principles: Make It Better, Make it Last, and Make It Again. Maxine Bédat of the New Standard Institute: "Voluntary initiatives are not leading us to where we want to go. It is time to have those hard conversations. and lastly, “Regulation can be our friend.”  Dana Davis (she/her) of Mara Hoffman: "There must be collaboration within the entire supply chain,” and that, “Legislation is a Tsunami – it is coming.” Chelsea Murtha at the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA): "Chaos is the right word to describe what is happening now; There is a clear disconnect between policy makers and people actually running the businesses.”   Lisa Diegel of Faherty Brand: Going through the B Corp process enabled her to discover opportunities and gaps in their approach and that working with the overall community is critical. Despite the complexities and obstacles ahead, there is reason for optimism. The summit showcased the industry's resilience, creativity, desire and capacity for collaboration. From innovative material solutions to initiatives promoting circularity and transparency, there is clear momentum towards positive change. For our entire recap, look here: https://rb.gy/xpbg7l #fashion #sustainability #innovation #creativity #bettertogether

🌿 Exciting Read! 🌿 As the beauty industry embraces sustainability, here's a must-read article on how beauty brands can navigate the new green reality. Check out this insight! #Sustainability #BeautyIndustry #GreenReality 🌍💄

Top 5 Sustainable Beauty Brands Making a Difference Top 5 Sustainable Beauty Brands Making a Difference The beauty industry is increasingly shifting towards sustainability as consumers become more conscious of environmental and ethical issues. Here are five top sustainable beauty brands that are leading the charge. 1. Tata Harper Tata Harper is renowned for its natural, non-toxic beauty products. The brand grows its own ingredients on a Vermont farm and uses eco-friendly packaging, ensuring transparency at every step. Their dedication to green beauty without compromising on luxury makes them a favorite. 2. Aveda A pioneer in sustainability, Aveda uses naturally derived ingredients and prioritizes renewable energy in their manufacturing processes. The brand also offers a variety of refillable packaging options and runs campaigns to protect clean water sources globally. 3. Ethique This New Zealand-based brand focuses on zero-waste beauty. Ethique creates solid shampoos, conditioners, and skin products that eliminate the need for plastic bottles. Their commitment to sustainable sourcing and biodegradable packaging makes them a standout in eco-friendly beauty. 4. Lush Lush is celebrated for its handmade, cruelty-free products that minimize packaging waste. Their "naked" products, such as shampoo bars and solid soaps, eliminate the need for traditional containers, aligning with their anti-waste ethos. 5. Ilia Beauty Ilia Beauty combines clean, high-performance makeup with sustainable practices. The brand uses organic ingredients and ensures that its packaging is made from recycled or recyclable materials, emphasizing environmental responsibility without sacrificing quality. These brands prove that beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand, paving the way for a greener future. via Blogger https://ift.tt/l6H2uKL October 11, 2024 at 04:49PM

Embracing Sustainability in Beauty Retail: A Great Read! Forbes explores how industry giants like SEPHORA and Douglas are pioneering sustainability in 2023. Learn about their eco-conscious strategies reshaping the beauty sector. An insightful piece shedding light on the future of sustainable beauty. Dive into the article here! --> https://lnkd.in/djxauz4F #Sustainability #BeautyRetail #EcoInnovation #ForbesArticle

Has sustainability become table stakes for beauty brands? This is the question posed by Beauty Independent's Rachel Brown. My answer? Yes, and no. While I do believe that *messaging* around sustainability is table stakes for beauty brands, unfortunately, we aren't seeing enough quantified, verified action to back it up these claims and make a meaningful impact. End-to-end sustainability is very difficult and rarely achieved. But I would argue that we *do* have access to the raw ingredients, suppliers, manufacturers and technology to create sustainable products and run sustainable businesses. What we need are new business models, pricing strategies, and financial models that support sustainability. "You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it." We will not achieve enduring, end-to-end sustainability without a paradigm shift. Read more from fellow industry leaders and let me know what resonates with you. Thanks, as always, to Rachel Brown for asking the right questions. #sustainability #sustainablebeauty #consciousleadership #branddevelopment #brandstrategy

Good On You published a major industry report 🚨 A month ago, Good On You launched its beauty sustainability ratings and revealed the Beauty Sustainability Scorecard, a report packed with insights that shine a light on the beauty industry’s sustainability—or lack thereof. Our team took a deep dive into the practices of 239 beauty brands, covering key issues like ingredient transparency, living wages, animal testing, climate reporting, and refillable packaging. The results? Some eye-opening stats that reveal just how far the industry still has to go. 📊 Here’s a snapshot of what we found: 👉 72% of brands using fragrances don’t disclose the ingredients. That’s a huge concern for both health and environmental reasons. 👉 84% of brands have no publicly available information about living wages in their supply chains. A massive gap in ethical practices. 👉 78% of brands aren’t certified cruelty-free, raising serious questions about their animal welfare claims. 👉 80% of large beauty brands are not reporting on their climate targets—a big issue when we’re talking about sustainability. 👉 Only 2% of brands tracking refillable packaging can show real data on how well it’s working. A massive congratulations to JD Shadel and Amy Miles for pulling together this report, and to Luis Rodriguez de Cespedes and Becca Willcox for crunching the numbers and revealing what’s really going on behind the scenes. The beauty industry still has a long way to go, but with this report, we’re giving consumers the facts they need to make informed decisions. Check out the full report here 👉 https://lnkd.in/efkuusv2

💡 Sustainability is a must-have for corporate campaigns. 💡 Recent research from Advertising Specialty Institute reveals that 86% of end-buyers prioritize sustainability when choosing promotional products, and over 60% are willing to invest more in eco-friendly options. That’s why we’re proud to share that our Storm Creek Summit Jacket was featured in ASI's Editor's Picks for sleek sustainable apparel. Made from upcycled materials, it’s a stylish and functional choice for businesses committed to making an impact. 📈 Investing in sustainable promotional products doesn’t just help the planet—it strengthens your brand’s image and resonates with today’s eco-conscious audience. 👉 Ready to align your corporate campaigns with sustainability? Check out Storm Creek’s lineup of responsible apparel or contact us here: https://lnkd.in/gBEw9jiv