Sustainability practices are becoming increasingly important in various industries, including beauty. Because people are becoming more aware of their choices’ impacts on the environment, they are beginning to demand more sustainable options from the brands they purchase from.
Many beauty brands are starting to implement sustainability practices into their business models to meet this demand. This includes using recycled materials in packaging to developing more environmentally-friendly products. While there are many challenges to implementing sustainable practices, there are also many benefits.
If you are a beauty brand looking to implement sustainability practices, you should keep a few things in mind. Here are some tips.
1. Educate yourself and your team on sustainability
The first step to implementing sustainability practices is to educate yourself and your team on the topic. Many resources are available online and in libraries that can help you learn about the different aspects of sustainability. Once you have a good understanding of the concept, you can start to develop a plan to incorporate it into your business.
Education doesn’t stop once you have a plan. You also need to continuously educate your team so they can help you implement the plan and make sure it is appropriately executed. Every team member should know the importance of sustainability and how they can help the company achieve its goals.
For example, if you run a makeup brand, your team should be trained on the importance of using sustainable packaging and how to recycle or compost products properly. Because cosmetic packaging often contains small parts, it can be difficult to recycle correctly. You want to ensure your team can help customers properly recycle your products, so they don’t end up in the landfill.
2. Evaluate your supply chain
A crucial part of sustainability is evaluating and reducing your company’s impact on the environment. This includes looking at your supply chain to see where you can make changes. There are many ways to reduce your company’s environmental impact, from your suppliers to your shipping methods.
For example, if you have a wig salon, you can work with ethical hair suppliers who only use sustainable practices. Most stores use synthetic hair made from plastic. This type of wig is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose. Instead, find wig suppliers who source hair from voluntary wig donors.
You can also make changes to your shipping methods. If you sell products online, consider removing the plastic packaging and shipping items in recyclable paper bags instead. You can also offer customers the option to pick up their orders in-store to avoid shipping altogether.
3. Develop environmentally-friendly products
Many beauty products have a significant impact on the environment. For example, hair dyes often contain harmful chemicals that pollute water sources. Makeup often contains microplastics that can end up in the ocean and be consumed by marine life. Skincare products usually come in single-use packaging that creates a lot of waste.
As a beauty brand, you can develop environmentally-friendly products with a lower environmental impact. There are many ways to do this, from using recycled materials in packaging to formulating products with natural ingredients.
For example, nail polish brands now offer water-based nail polishes that are safer for the environment. They are also using biodegradable glitter in their products. Some skincare brands use sustainable packaging made from bamboo or other sustainable materials. They are also formulating their products with biodegradable natural ingredients that don’t pollute the environment.
4. Implement sustainable business practices
At the end of the day, you are still running a business. This means you need to make money to stay afloat. Many companies forego sustainability for the sake of profits. However, there are many ways to implement sustainable practices without sacrificing your bottom line. The environment should be a priority, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of your business.
You can implement many sustainable business practices, from using energy-efficient light bulbs to recycling office supplies. You can also encourage employees to carpool or take public transportation to work. Some companies start a compost program in their offices to reduce waste. Your team can also participate in local community cleanups.
5. Use your platform to educate others
As a beauty brand, you have a unique opportunity to educate your customers and followers about sustainability. You can use your platform to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and how to implement sustainable practices in their own lives.
For example, you can write blog posts or create videos about sustainability in the beauty industry. You can also partner with other sustainable brands to co-host events or webinars. While educating your audience, you can also promote your sustainable products and practices.
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to becoming a sustainable brand. It’s essential to find what works for you and your company. The most important thing is to start somewhere. Implementing even one sustainable practice can make a big difference in the long run.
