06.11.21
The pandemic disproportionally affected marginalized social groups, while the Black Lives Matter movement highlighted prejudices and racism toward ethnic minorities. As a result, beauty industry executives are reviewing their social impacts. Some are championing social inclusivity and multiculturalism, while others refresh their CSR policies and undertake corporate philanthropy. According to Ecovia Intelligence, creating social value is becoming an integral part of the sustainability programs of many cosmetic brands and ingredient firms.
The North American edition of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit will discuss the various ways operators can address their social impacts. Taking place online June 21-24, the summit has dedicated sessions on social impacts and sustainable sourcing. Some of the key discussion points include:
• Social diversity and multiculturalism. An industry expert will discuss the positive impacts of social diversity and multiculturalism. Apart from the HR benefits of having a diverse management / workforce, there are also marketing and customer opportunities. Details will be given on the marketing issues related to social inclusion and cultural sensitivity.
• CSR & corporate philanthropy. There is renewed interest in CSR & corporate philanthropy as cosmetic companies look to "give back" to society. The Brazilian company Grupo Boticário is a pioneer, setting up a Foundation for Nature Protection in 1990. Thais Gusmão will show how the foundation has supported over 1600 biodiversity conservation projects, protecting over 550 areas, and discovering 176 species. The foundation is now actively engaging with the public to protect Brazilian biomes.
• Social value of cosmetics. The author Julian Baggini will give the moral and philosophical perspective on the role of cosmetics & personal care products in society. Apart from the physical benefits, what psychological value is associated with these products? How is the social value of cosmetics changing during the pandemic?
• Veganism and plant-based cosmetics. The growing popularity of plant-based foods is having a knock-on effect on cosmetics & personal care products, with consumers looking to avoid animal-based ingredients. Chantelle Adkins from the Vegan Society will give an update on recent trends and developments. Some insights will be given into the ethical consumer and the plant-based cosmetics market potential.
The North American edition of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit will discuss the various ways operators can address their social impacts. Taking place online June 21-24, the summit has dedicated sessions on social impacts and sustainable sourcing. Some of the key discussion points include:
• Social diversity and multiculturalism. An industry expert will discuss the positive impacts of social diversity and multiculturalism. Apart from the HR benefits of having a diverse management / workforce, there are also marketing and customer opportunities. Details will be given on the marketing issues related to social inclusion and cultural sensitivity.
• CSR & corporate philanthropy. There is renewed interest in CSR & corporate philanthropy as cosmetic companies look to "give back" to society. The Brazilian company Grupo Boticário is a pioneer, setting up a Foundation for Nature Protection in 1990. Thais Gusmão will show how the foundation has supported over 1600 biodiversity conservation projects, protecting over 550 areas, and discovering 176 species. The foundation is now actively engaging with the public to protect Brazilian biomes.
• Social value of cosmetics. The author Julian Baggini will give the moral and philosophical perspective on the role of cosmetics & personal care products in society. Apart from the physical benefits, what psychological value is associated with these products? How is the social value of cosmetics changing during the pandemic?
• Veganism and plant-based cosmetics. The growing popularity of plant-based foods is having a knock-on effect on cosmetics & personal care products, with consumers looking to avoid animal-based ingredients. Chantelle Adkins from the Vegan Society will give an update on recent trends and developments. Some insights will be given into the ethical consumer and the plant-based cosmetics market potential.
• True cost of raw materials. As more plant-based ingredients are making their way into cosmetic & personal care formulations, there are questions about ethical sourcing. Adrian de Groot Ruiz, executive director of True Price, will discuss the societal, environmental and health impacts of agricultural-based raw materials. How can the principles of true cost accounting be applied to raw material sourcing?
• Adding social value via cosmetic ingredients. Many cosmetic companies and ingredient firms are undertaking ethical sourcing of raw materials. Laura Schlebes from AAK will show how the ethical sourcing of shea butter kernels is improving the lives of women in West Africa. The company is undertaking a number of such sourcing projects, such as Kolo Nafaso and Saha Global.
• Social risks in supply chains. Justine Currell, executive director of Unseen, will discuss the hidden social risks in supply chains of raw materials and finished cosmetic products. Details will be given of contentious ingredients, specific risks, as well as how operators can mitigate such risks.
• Sustainability standards & certification schemes. The role of sustainability standards & certification schemes in addressing social impacts will be discussed. Amarjit Sahota, founder of Ecovia Intelligence (event organizer) will give an update on existing and emerging schemes in a dedicated workshop. The FairWild Association will give an update on its standard for wild collected plant materials.
• Alternatives to animal-testing methods. Hawaii is set to become the sixth American state to ban animal-testing methods for cosmetics. Monica Engebretson from Cruelty-Free International will discuss upcoming developments, including the Humane Cosmetics Act. An update will also be given on international developments, including China regulations on animal-testing.
• Rising consumer expectations. Various research studies show consumers expect beauty brands to be more ethical in the way they do business. The Union for Ethical BioTrade will present the findings of one such study. Its research show that 83% of consumers believe companies have a moral obligation to assure they have a positive impact on people and biodiversity. Similar findings on social impact of ingredient sourcing, transparency, and fair compensation will be presented.
To get ideas on how to improve your sustainability profile, click here.
• Adding social value via cosmetic ingredients. Many cosmetic companies and ingredient firms are undertaking ethical sourcing of raw materials. Laura Schlebes from AAK will show how the ethical sourcing of shea butter kernels is improving the lives of women in West Africa. The company is undertaking a number of such sourcing projects, such as Kolo Nafaso and Saha Global.
• Social risks in supply chains. Justine Currell, executive director of Unseen, will discuss the hidden social risks in supply chains of raw materials and finished cosmetic products. Details will be given of contentious ingredients, specific risks, as well as how operators can mitigate such risks.
• Sustainability standards & certification schemes. The role of sustainability standards & certification schemes in addressing social impacts will be discussed. Amarjit Sahota, founder of Ecovia Intelligence (event organizer) will give an update on existing and emerging schemes in a dedicated workshop. The FairWild Association will give an update on its standard for wild collected plant materials.
• Alternatives to animal-testing methods. Hawaii is set to become the sixth American state to ban animal-testing methods for cosmetics. Monica Engebretson from Cruelty-Free International will discuss upcoming developments, including the Humane Cosmetics Act. An update will also be given on international developments, including China regulations on animal-testing.
• Rising consumer expectations. Various research studies show consumers expect beauty brands to be more ethical in the way they do business. The Union for Ethical BioTrade will present the findings of one such study. Its research show that 83% of consumers believe companies have a moral obligation to assure they have a positive impact on people and biodiversity. Similar findings on social impact of ingredient sourcing, transparency, and fair compensation will be presented.
To get ideas on how to improve your sustainability profile, click here.