According to the London-based research firm, a number of life-cycle analysis studies show the highest environmental impact of cosmetic products is from raw materials, consumers (consumption phase) and post-use (disposal).
The latter is often neglected in comparison to the former; however Organic Monitor feels that the environmental impact of cosmetic products can be reduced by using green ingredients and changing consumer behaviour.
Summit focus
With this in mind, the North American edition of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit taking place in New York City on 16-18th May 2013, will delve into consumer behaviour and green ingredients.
“With most cosmetic and ingredient firms focusing on raw materials and production processes, the consumption phase is often ignored,” say the organizers.
“For the first time, the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit will discuss methods of encouraging responsible consumption of cosmetic and personal care products.”
The key premise of the event will be how can consumers be motivated to encourage the responsible purchase, use and disposal of cosmetic products to minimise environmental impacts.
Green ingredients in cosmetic formulations are also another focus. The move towards green formulations is gaining momentum because of high consumer demand for natural & organic cosmetics, as well as diminishing supply of petrochemical feedstock.
Elsewhere…
Other areas looked into at the summit will also include the social dimension of cosmetic products, how cosmetic and ingredient firms can make a social difference with their products, fair trade sourcing projects, CSR initiatives, as well as alternatives to animal testing methods.
For the third consecutive year, the summit will host a CEO roundtable to discuss key challenges concerning sustainability, market conditions, and consumer expectations (behaviour).
For more information on the US edition of the summit, click here.