Sustainability Spotlights and Regulations

Hey Beauty Enthusiasts!!

April's arrival not only signals spring but also marks Earth Month, a crucial time for reinforcing our commitment to sustainability in the beauty industry.

Sustainability shouldn’t be just a trend; it's a commitment to our planet, ensuring that our love for beauty contributes positively to the environment. Some professionals state Sustainability is Great, Sustainability is needed, some say SustainBULL (like EVELIO MATTOS preaches) due to greenwashing, and everything in between. 

From a sustainability perspective, my personal opinion is Sustainability must be considered from concept to launch and end of life use. Yet, we must have the infrastructure in place to sustain all of the "sustainability efforts"--we are still in our infancy stage on the right model.

This month's newsletter highlights the exciting product launches, Industry news and keeps you abreast of important laws and regulations all shaping a more sustainable beauty landscape.

Featured Product Launches:

1. Pacifica launched neuroscience-based functional fragrances, a new line that has been in development for 27 years. This line includes scents like Montana Sky, Beach Day, and Passion Fruit, each with its own unique Aromapower. Available as perfumes and mists, these blends evoke different emotions and memories. Explore the collection here
2. Babo Botanicals launches new haircare in sustainable packaging  containing 80% less plastic than typical bottles. Discover their unique range here
3. Dr. Squatch Launches Game of Thrones Collection. Experience the magic of Westeros with the Dr. Squatch x Game of Thrones collection. This limited-edition, dragon-inspired three-piece set uses Dr. Squatch’s traditional cold process and natural ingredients for all skin types. The packaging features pronounced details and spot varnish for pop of design elements, reminiscent of Viking style. Available in a collector's box or as individual soaps here

Industry News: Sustainability Spotlight

1. Chanel, ELC, and L'Oréal, to name a few, have joined as a consortium to create TRASCE, bringing sustainability to the forefront of the beauty industry's supply chain. By using blockchain technology, they're making it easier to understand where products come from, aligning with the rising consumer interest in ethically made goods. Read more about it here 
2. In a unique sustainability drive, Brazilian brand O Boticário crafted 'Extinto', a fragrance mimicking Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay's original scent. Developed with advanced technology and eco-conscious ingredients, it's a limited release aimed at promoting environmental awareness and preservation, highlighting the beauty industry's role in sustainable practices. Read more about it here
3. Industry leaders Albéa, Verescence, and Sulapac join forces to produce Twirl, a sustainable 50ml refillable glass jar, in response to soaring demand for eco-friendly beauty packaging. This collaboration, merging their unique expertise in glassmaking, technical design, and material innovation, signifies a major step in addressing environmental concerns in the beauty industry. Read more about it here 

Laws and Regulations 2024:

• 2024 sees ten EPR bills introduced thus far: Extended producer responsibility (EPR) for paper and packaging is once again a hot topic in statehouses across the country. Nine states are looking to enact extended producer responsibility packaging, and Hawaii chose to put a “pre-EPR” bill into play. Read more about it here
• B Corp Certification Changes: The B Corp certification is considered one of the top sustainability certifications a company can achieve based on meeting certain high standards for verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. As part of the changes, the scoring system will be updated along with mandating companies to meet specific requirements across 10 key areas, including Fair Wages, Environmental Stewardship & Circularity, and Climate Action. Read more about it here 

Featured Podcast:

1. Be a Packaging Steward": Packaging Sustainability, Sales and Intentional Connections with Adam Peek “Packaging Pastor” SVP of Meyers | Host of People of Packaging Podcast. Listen here
2. The Power of Sustainable Packaging- Cory Connors “Corygated(R)”, Director of Sustainable Packaging @ Orora Packaging Solutions, Host of Sustainable Packaging Podcast. Listen here
3. Packaging Sustainability to Professional Networking" - Brad Levin, Senior Sustainability and Sales Manager at Millennium Group. Listen here
4. Sustainable Packaging Podcast with Megan Young Gamble. Listen it here 
5. BONUS: "A Moment of Transparency" Biz Lessons from Starting the Podcast" by Me, Megan Young Gamble. Listen HERE

Upcoming Events:

1. Innocos in Napa Valley, CA, April 8th-10th : A key event focusing on the intersection of beauty, health, and wellness, highlighting trends in longevity and holistic well-being, with expert-led sessions and innovative experiences.
2. Natural & Organic Beauty Expo, London April 14t-15th: The natural beauty destination where cosmetics and personal care products meet the values of sustainability and ethical responsibility.
3. in–Cosmetics Global in Paris, France, April 16–18th: A key gathering for the personal care industry, offering networking, innovation showcases, and educational insights for creators, suppliers, and professionals in ingredients, fragrances, and lab solutions. 
4. Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair, Health and Beauty in Atlanta, GA, April 25-28 : A vibrant gathering celebrating natural hair, wellness, and authentic self-expression. 

As we wrap up this newsletter, let's not just read about sustainability – let's act on it. Every eco-friendly product we choose and every green initiative we support in the beauty industry can make a real difference for our planet. 

Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the shared news, what sustainability means to you.

Stay Beautiful!

Megan