Program

Although sustainability is gaining in prominence, the cosmetics industry appears to be preoccupied with environmental aspects. Few cosmetic and ingredient companies have focused on the social dimension of sustainability. The opening session highlights sustainability initiatives in the cosmetics industry, placing emphasis on the ways companies can improve their social footprints. How can cosmetic and ingredient firms make a social impact?

The importance of the social dimension of sustainability is stated in the opening keynote. Two of the leading cosmetic companies involved in creating positive social impacts share their experiences. Other papers cover the retailer's perspective, the challenges of implementing a sustainability program, and alternatives to animal testing. With the beauty industry traditionally having a bad name because of safety methods involving animal testing, what ethical alternatives are there? Which ones can be adopted for export markets, like those in Asia? The session adjourns with featured speakers discussing methods of improving ethics in the cosmetics industry.

The move towards green raw materials is gaining momentum. Cosmetic companies are looking at green ingredients because they would like to reduce their environmental footprints and / or cater to consumer demand for natural personal care products. Cosmetic ingredient firms are investing in green ingredients in search for innovation, as well as the need to shift away from petrochemical feedstock. This session looks at some of the major advances in green ingredients.

The first paper discusses the use of plant stem cell technology to isolate and extract cosmetic ingredients. Proceeding papers focus on botanical actives, novel marine ingredients and emerging sustainable ingredients. The formulation issues associated with organic food ingredients is discussed by a pioneering brand. Featured speakers form a panel at the end of the session to discuss the environmental footprint of green ingredients: are green ingredients always sustainable?

Friday 17th May: Day Two

Session Three: Marketing Developments

With weak economic conditions persisting and consumer expectations continuing to rise, brands are investing in marketing to drive product sales. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult in the personal care arena to distinguish between legitimate marketing by green brands and greenwashing. This session highlights some of the major developments in the marketing of green (natural & organic) personal care products, placing emphasis on marketing communications.

The opening keynote stresses the importance of marketing communications for green brands. A leading natural personal care brand shares its experiences in setting up a retail network across the globe. Other papers explore effective sustainable communications and the potential of social media for marketing communications and building customer relationships. The regulatory framework for labeling and marketing green cosmetics is described, highlighting best-practices in marketing such products and pointers on how to avoid greenwashing.

Session Four: CEO Roundtable

For the third consecutive year, this interactive session will bring together CEOs of leading natural & organic personal care firms to discuss key challenges they face. Topics on the roundtable agenda are sustainability challenges, the ethical value of cosmetics, changing market conditions and consumer expectations. Delegates will have the opportunity to pose questions and discuss key challenges with the CEO panel.

Session Five: Consumer Behavior

A growing number of studies show that the highest environmental impact of certain personal care products is at the consumption level. With many brands and retailers focusing on making more sustainable products, what can be done to encourage sustainability at the consumer level? This session hones in on consumer behavior, placing emphasis on responsible consumption.

Some findings on environmental footprint studies on personal care products are presented. Footprint metrics are given for each phase of a cosmetic product's life-cycle: raw materials, production, distribution, consumption, and post-use. Methods of encouraging responsible consumption of personal care products to reduce environmental impacts are highlighted.

A research agency gives some insights into consumer behavior towards sustainable consumer products. What are the triggers and motives for consumers to buy green / natural personal care products? Another paper features the informational use of mobile devices by green consumers. The final paper discusses the commercial paradox of sustainable consumption: how can brands get consumers to buy less of their products, yet consume more? Such challenges are discussed by featured speakers in the panel discussion on sustainable consumption.

Saturday 18th May: Day Three

Workshop: Formulating with Green Ingredients

A growing array of green ingredients is now available to cosmetic formulators and product developers, however technical hurdles remain. Replacing synthetic ingredients with plant-based materials in particular leads to many green formulation issues. This workshop has been designed to tackle the major formulation issues associated with green ingredients.

The workshop leader will start by giving details on the palette of green ingredients available by major raw material class. The formulation and technical challenges of using these green ingredients vis-a-vis synthetic materials are highlighted. Practical advice and guidance is given to organizations looking at using these green raw materials in cosmetic formulations.

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