The unsustainable side of the Cosmetic Industry
Behind the scenes of cosmetic clans- Environmental and unsustainable impacts.
The global cosmetic industries are thriving with an incredible demand for their products, from the biggest and most well-known multinationals to the local boutiques. Mass production has made beauty products affordable to most people. But an increasing number of people are showing concern about the ingredients used in these beauty products. They want more than just quantity. The outlook and branding play a major role in marketing the products. To make the products aesthetic and visually decluttered, companies experiment with over-the-top packaging, most of which is either plastic or glass. While excessive packaging might protect the product from damage and improve marketing, it doesn’t have the best outcome for the environment?[1].
The global cosmetic industry has not been able to manage waste generation on a large scale. More than 120 billion units of packaging are produced globally every year by the cosmetics industry, contributing to a loss of 18 million acres of forest annually.[3]
Some environmental impacts of the cosmetic industry.
Plastic Pollution:
Every year, around 8 million tonnes of plastic flow out to sea. Much of this actually comes from a single source – by packaging and branding materials in cosmetic industries. The use of plastic in cosmetic industries is rising. Customers generally want their products to be more aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing hence, the only way the industries can feed this demand is by using more and more plastic in their products?[3].
Microbeads:
Microbeads are tiny pieces of polyethylene plastic added to health and beauty products?[4]. We usually find plastic microbeads in body scrubs and other beauty products as exfoliants. They are tiny plastic particles no bigger than 5mm. These exfoliants don’t dissolve too quickly, therefore we can find them being washed down the drain. These plastics then end up in our oceans where they contribute to plastic pollution.
When people think of plastic pollution, they tend to think about how it affects the oceans and lands in big ways such as large garbage islands. But, the problem is not just the plastic which is seen by us, microbeads or microplastics which are barely visible to the naked eyes can also create great harm to the environment. The microbeads disposed into oceans are generally consumed by small fishes as they confuse these beads as their prey and hence consuming such fish gives rise to diseases like cancer?[5].
Air Pollution:
Do you know that most common household cleaning products and beauty products contribute a major amount to air pollution? The chemicals in these products are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?[3]. The products like hairsprays, deodorants and perfumes significantly contain elements which result in air pollution. Recent studies show cleansers, cosmetics and other personal care products contribute 38 % of the generated VOCs. The reason that the cosmetics industry has escaped scrutiny from the movement for sustainable products is not just because of the packaging and plastic, it is also because people don’t think of perfumes, hair sprays, and deodorants as toxic?[6].
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Animal Cruelty:
Animal testing has always existed in the world of cosmetics and other areas. Eye creams and soothing gels are generally tested on animals before delivering to humans. 88% of the top beauty companies support animal cruelty in testing their products?[7].
The cosmetic industry uses this practice frequently; it’s estimated that around 100,000 - 200,000 animals suffer and die from this practice. Animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice and monkeys are generally harmed in this practice.?[8]?Many governments have declared several legalities in terms of testing cosmetics on animals but, still, the animal cruelty sector is majorly untamed.
Child Labour:
Mica is generally a finishing product in the cosmetic industry. It is used in setting powders, highlighters, eyeshadows, etc for giving a bright glow and shine to the product. However, it's sad that the mining of such elements generally happens with the labour of small children. According to reports, these practices are found in the states of Jharkhand and Bihar where a lot of people live below the poverty line.?[9]?One of the major MICA suppliers- is India, where impoverished children work in illegal mines that the Indian administration has no affiliation with.
India is one of the largest mica producers in the world. Many poor children who cannot afford to go to school must help their families by gaining access to resources such as food and water and turn to mine for income.?[10]
Rise of Natural cosmetic branches
The beauty business in India is growing rapidly around 15- 20% annually?[8]. Unlike global consumers, 70% of Indian cosmetic consumers claimed that they prefer natural beauty products and around 25% of people claimed to pick products with plant-based ingredients. The interest in clean and natural beauty and personal care products is considered safer than any other alternative.
Environmentalists are trying to reach the peak of an important hill; a bit more and they may see the whole picture. The majority of people on earth think only of their own needs, personal gratification and pleasure which gives a boost to their happiness quotient, Overlooking the lasting and devastating consequences of their actions. A global environmental crisis is looming and it has been brought on by our actions over the centuries. The pollution around us is indicative of our heedlessness toward the environment.
One can not do everything but, everyone can do something to reduce the impact produced by the cosmetic industry by choosing to be conscious consumers.
Reach out to Carbon Mandal to kickstart your organization’s transition to sustainability.?Click here
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