The term sustainability is on everyone’s lips these days. However, very few people can explain what it actually means. Hans Carl von Carlowitz, Chief Mining Administrator in Freiberg, who lived from 1645 to 1714, is considered a pioneer of sustainability. He initially applied the principle of sustainability to forestry. He only harvested as much timber from a forest as the forest could regenerate naturally on its own within a foreseeable period of time. Von Carlowitz wanted to ensure that an ecosystem’s natural characteristics were preserved permanently and in the long term. And that is exactly what sustainability is all about. The rate at which renewable resources are depleted must never exceed the rate at which they can be regenerated. At the same time, the level of emissions must never exceed the assimilation capacity.<\/p>\n
Sustainable cosmetics are therefore synonymous with resource-efficient production and processing. Renewable raw materials are particularly important here: in the context of sustainability, it is now possible to optimise products to such an extent that they achieve a positive ecological balance and are completely free of harmful substances. In addition, responsible and sustainable cosmetics are also characterised by significantly lower water and energy consumption throughout the entire manufacturing and production process. Sustainable cosmetics generally do not contain any artificial ingredients or additives. True to the motto \u2018less is often more\u2019, manufacturers focus on natural or nature-identical raw materials that are not only beneficial to our health but also protect our environment through ecological and organic cultivation. Consumers can naturally recognise sustainable cosmetics by the ingredients that must be declared on the packaging. However, the various nature seals and certificates awarded to products that have been positively assessed in terms of sustainability are also important indicators. We should all strive for greater sustainability and, of course, sustainable cosmetics. We owe this not only to our environment and our health, but also to future generations.<\/p>\n
There are a number of approaches in cosmetics that promote sustainability. These include:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 the use of renewable raw materials<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Low-energy production (e.g. cold\/cold, cold\/warm manufacturing, one-pot batch)<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Enzymatic production of raw materials<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Use of raw materials from by-products or waste products (e.g. barley malt, tomato seeds, terpenes from orange peel)<\/p>\n
\u00b7 \u2018Free from\u2019 cosmetics<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Use of seals (NaTrue, BDIH Cosmos, DAAB-Allergiker, www.cosmeticanalyse.com<\/u><\/a>)<\/p>\n \u00b7 Self-preserving packaging (= formula without preservatives)<\/p>\n \u00b7 Reusable packaging, refill packaging, compostable packaging<\/p>\n \u00b7 Reduced concepts (minimalist formulations, dry shampoos)<\/p>\n Every concept embodies the idea of sustainable cosmetics that ultimately conserve resources. The level of sustainability you aim for depends on your own product and brand philosophy.<\/p>\n You can also have your own approach to sustainability developed. For such questions, we work together with the cosmetics developers at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences under the direction of Prof. Dr. Andrea Wanninger. As part of a bachelor’s and\/or master’s thesis, we can develop a sustainability approach tailored to your cosmetics brand.<\/p>\n Fortunately, sustainability is also becoming increasingly important in cosmetics. With the help of Mother Nature and resource-saving, responsible manufacturing, it is now easy to develop preparations and sustainable cosmetics that are just as efficient, effective and powerful as pure industrial or synthetic products. Natural care always leads to natural and healthy beauty: we should value this!<\/p>\n At Cosmacon, we develop innovative, sustainable cosmetics. Just give us a call.<\/a><\/p>\nGreen cosmetics = sustainable cosmetics<\/h3>\n