For the first time, the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit, which will hold its European edition in Paris on 23-25th October, will feature blue beauty. Industry experts will delve into creating and marketing cosmetics that are friendly to marine ecosystems. The other key topics will include sustainability schemes and green materials.
“Awareness is rising about the detrimental effects beauty products have on marine environments. Approximately 4,000 tonnes of sunscreen enter the oceans annually, harming coral reefs and marine life,” said Ecovia Intelligence, the London-based company behind the summit, in a release.
During the session dedicated to blue beauty, Sun care brand Sol de Ibiza will share its experience in developing ocean-friendly sunscreens housed in plastic-free packaging. A pioneering French brand will discuss the potential of waterless beauty products, while another speaker will highlight green packaging materials that can replace plastics.
Marine ingredients, such as seaweed and algae, are also a source of inspiration in the cosmetics industry. Jo Chidley, founder of UK-based Beauty Kitchen will explain how the company uses sustainably sourced microalgae in its Pure Source Collagen Collection, which claims to boost the body’s own collagen production. Another speaker will explain how marine ingredients can create innovative products.
Green materials will also be featured as a key solution for the creation of innovative sustainable cosmetics. Kew Royal Gardens will show how botanical sources continue to provide active ingredients.
Gabbi Loedolff, Director of Buying at Lush will detail its ethical sourcing projects. Lush is working directly with producers in various parts of the world to source natural ingredients, such as cocoa butter, shea butter, and sandalwood oil.
The role of new technologies like fermentation techniques to produce green materials will also be explored. A pioneering French company will explain how biotechnology is enabling the company to produce plant-based ingredients in refineries. Another speaker will discuss the opportunities presented by upcycling, while Jolene Maloney from Croda Beauty will explain why biodegradable ingredients are needed if the cosmetics industry is to move towards circularity. Some insights will be given into how the biodegradability of cosmetic ingredients can be determined.
Iveta Kovacova from Ecovia Intelligence will spotlight key developments and growth projections regarding ethical labels and sustainability schemes that are playing an increasing role in the cosmetics industry.
Mark Smith from Natrue and Xanthe Galanis-Hancox from COSMOS-Standard will give an update on the natural and organic cosmetics market. Lise Frank Axelsen from Ecolabelling Denmark will speak about the Nordic Swan and EU Eco-Flower schemes, while Other speakers will discuss carbon labelling and fair trade sourcing. Dirk-Jan Oudshoorn from Forestwise will share the company’s experience with sustainability schemes.
The Sustainable Cosmetics Summit has been covering sustainability issues in the cosmetic and personal care industry since 2009. This 16th European edition will be hosted at the Crowne-Plaza – République Paris on 23-25th October 2024.
