Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, is defined as the diversity of life on Earth and includes all species, ecosystems, and their genetic variation in a particular region. It is very important to sustain human life by maintaining the delicate balance of the biosphere or Earth’s ecosystem.
Climate change, including rising sea levels, rising global temperatures and extreme weather events, are some of the biggest threats to biodiversity loss. Yet human activity is also an important driver of climate change. Pollution, deforestation, power generation, and manufacturing are all ways humans are contributing to the current climate crisis.
More information by Social Justice Platform TRVSTThe beauty industry generates approximately 120 billion units of waste annually, most of which comes from packaging materials such as plastic, paper, glass, and metal. As a result, the beauty industry, as a key material consumer and waste producer, has a responsibility to address biodiversity loss and make significant efforts to become more sustainable.
The dangers of industries such as beauty and personal care continuing to ignore the importance of biodiversity, the best steps industry players are taking to address biodiversity loss through sustainability, and how To learn more about how brands are already taking more significant steps towards conserving biodiversity, CosmeticsDesign spoke to Amarjit Sahota, founder of Ecovia Intelligence, for his insights and experience on these issues. I did.
The dangers of ignoring biodiversity loss
”After climate change, biodiversity loss is the biggest sustainability issue facing the planet. ”said Sahota.According to WWF’s Living Planet Index, global wildlife populations (including mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles) declined by almost 70% between 1970 and 2022.“As a direct threat to the health of the biosphere and the sustainability of human life.”Biodiversity loss is a major issue that needs to be addressed. ”he explained.
Because the climate crisis is a visible and tangible problem for consumers and manufacturers alike, Sahota said:There are many dangers in ignoring biodiversity” As a member of the beauty industry. For example, ignoring biodiversity conservation efforts can put companies out of business.”violate regulations or international protocols; These include the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Nagoya Protocol.” he explained.
Furthermore, he said:It is worth pointing out that biodiversity risks in the cosmetics industry are mainly related to the sourcing of raw materials. [as] The danger is that the raw materials (usually plant-based) are not ethically sourced and the benefits are not shared with the sourcing countries or indigenous communities.. There is also “furthermore”.Risks associated with deforestation, such as palm oil and soybean oil. Such raw materials could possibly be sourced from deforested agricultural land.” he added.
Addressing biodiversity as an industry
Sahota advised that as an industry we need to address these issues. ”The best way is to commit to ethical sourcing of cosmetic ingredients“To do that.”Cosmetics and ingredient companies must source ingredients with respect for the environment and social communities.” he explained.
For example, he explained:During the research and development process, operators must ensure that plant-based or other materials are not endangered and that their use does not have a negative impact on the environment or the social community.” He added that this is especially important for wild-harvested ingredients.Using such materials on a large scale can create supply shortages that can impact collectors’ livelihoods.”
Manufacturers and suppliers of cosmetics and personal beauty care can also tackle biodiversity loss by complying with the .We comply with international protocols such as CITES, CBD and the Nagoya Protocol and participate in organizations such as the Union for Ethical Biotrade (UEBT), which encourage businesses to source raw materials with respect for biodiversity.” he said. UEBT aims to: Contributing to a world where all people and biodiversity thrive,’ “And the organization…”Certification of Respectfully Sourced Ingredients” he added.
Industry pioneer in biodiversity
Many brands in the beauty industry are already making great strides in sustainability efforts across their supply chains. for example, “In 2018, Weleda and Natura Brasil became the first beauty brands to adopt UEBT ingredient certification.” said Sahota. the result,”Natura Brasil’s Ekos series is certified. The products include Amazonian ingredients such as acai, andiroba, castaña, and murumuru, and this certification ensures that the ingredients are ethically sourced and respect indigenous rights.” he explained.
He said two other ethical brands that stand out for embedding sustainability into their business ethos are Lush and Neal’s Yard Remedies, both of which source their ingredients ethically and are committed to preserving biodiversity. It added that it is investing in conservation. For example, he shared:Lush actively considers biodiversity and bird migration zones when sourcing raw materials.“moreover,”Neal’s Yard Remedies is a large buyer of certified organic and fair trade ingredients and is actively working to save bees in the UK with its Stand by Bees campaign, which supports sustainable farming. .” he said.
Another pioneer in biodiversity conservation efforts is the L’Occitane Group.Putting biodiversity at the heart of our sustainability strategy in September 2021” Sahota said.As part of our vision for a ‘nature-positive’ world, the Group has committed to producing 100% of its key raw materials according to renewable and sustainable agriculture by 2025.” he explained. The brand isis highlighting the importance of biodiversity at pop-up stores at various international airports through its ‘Gifts of Nature’ campaign, educating customers about its key ingredients and their connection to biodiversity.”
what happens next
”At last year’s United Nations Biodiversity Conference At COP15, 196 countries signed an agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, including protecting 30% of land and water by 2030. ”said Sahota.Introduction of Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework to encourage businesses to ethically source plant-based ingredients”
However, questions regarding when and how this framework will be implemented remain unanswered.It is up to individual businesses to follow the lead of pioneers like Natura Brasil and L’Occitane and commit to ethically sourcing raw materials and protecting biodiversity.” he concluded.
As we look to 2024, one of the best ways to address biodiversity loss as a member of the beauty industry is to ensure we educate our employees and consumers about the importance of sustainable behavior throughout our supply chain. is. Sahota encouraged interested industry members to attend events such as Ecovia’s Sustainable Cosmetics Summit to stay up-to-date on these issues.
Next year’s North American edition will be held in New York from June 4-6, and the European edition will be held in Paris from October 28-30, with both summits providing attendees with the latest information on ethical sourcing and biodiversity. provided to.
Want to learn more about ingredient sustainability and other next-generation beauty consumer trends? Register nowListen to the Beauty Forward Summit for free, airing from January 29th to 31st, 2024.
