Program

Program Overview

The North American edition of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit comprised a 2-day conference followed by an interactive workshop. View the summit pics here

Thursday 14th May: Day One

Session One: Sustainability Update

Session Two: Advances in Sustainable Ingredients
 

Friday 15th May: Day Two

Session Three: Marketing Developments

Session Four: CEO Roundtable

Session Five: Social and Customer Impacts
 

Saturday 16th May: Day Three

Workshop: Preservatives for Green Personal Care Products

Detailed Program

Thursday 14th May: Day One

Session One: Sustainability Update

Sustainability has many facets. In the cosmetics industry, it impacts raw materials, formulations, production processes to distribution and marketing of finished products. The opening session highlighted some of the ways leading operators are approaching sustainability. How are cosmetic firms prioritizing environmental and social issues? With a growing number of companies investing in waste reduction / management, what are the difficulties in setting up zero-waste systems? How are sustainability developments in retail influencing production and marketing of cosmetic products? What innovations are occurring in green packaging?

Session Two: Advances in Sustainable Ingredients

Some of the major sustainability developments in the cosmetics industry have involved raw materials. Many cosmetic and ingredient firms have switched to green materials because of safety and / or ethical considerations.

This session covered major developments in sustainable ingredients, focusing on replacements to contentious materials, such as microplastic beads and squalene. Other papers looked at the pifalls and opportunities provided by nanomaterials, sustainable alternatives to surfactants and the use of sustainable extraction techniques for novel ingredients.

Friday 15th May: Day Two

Session Three: Marketing Developments

Many personal care brands are focusing on marketing to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. Some are highlighting their ethical credentials in marketing communications, whilst others are investing in distribution. This session gave an update on marketing developments concerning green brands. The opening keynote highlighted the link between healthy diet, lifestyle choices and natural beauty. Other papers covered green marketing communications, openings in the spa sector, and the role of concept stores in sustainability.

Session Four: CEO Roundtable

For the fifth consecutive year, CEOs of selected green (natural & organic) cosmetic firms formed a roundtable to debate industry challenges. What are the big sustainability issues faced by leading brands? What are the major issues on the horizon? How should green brands be engaging consumers in this digital age? The interactive session highlighted the approaches the CEO panel is taking to meet these challenges.

Session Five: Social & Customer Impacts

This session discussed the various ways cosmetic and ingredient firms can add social value and engage with customers. A pioneering brand shared its experiences in creating positive social value: what are the key lessons for operators looking to improve their social footprints? An update was given on alternatives to animal-testing methods. What are the implications to American and Canadian brands in the international arena?

The first plenary session gave an update on safe cosmetics. With US regulations lagging behind Europe, what legislative developments are on the horizon? Details will be given of cosmetic chemicals with associated health and environmental risks. Although many companies are replacing synthetics with natural ingredients, another paper highlighted the safety issues associated with using natural materials.

The second plenary session discussed consumer impacts. With high environmental impact at the consumer level, what can be done to encourage sustainable purchasing and responsible consumption? A case study was given on how a Brazilian brand is instigating change in its home country.
 

Saturday 16th May: Day Three

Workshop: Green Preservatives for Personal Care Products

This workshop discussed the various green preservative options for personal care products. Details were given of the green materials that can be used in place of parabens and other synthetic materials, as well as new technology and packaging developments. Practical advice and guidance was given to organizations looking at developing / using alternative green preservative systems.

The summit materials (including conference papers and workshop pack) are now available for a professional fee. Click here for further details.