‘It is possible for the cosmetics sector, as has happened in other sectors, to build a scientific environmental impact assessment of their products, based on full life cycle assessment…’
Henkel, L’Oréal, LVHM, Natura & Co and Unilever have established a global collaboration to develop an industry-wide environmental impact assessment and scoring system for cosmetic products. The partners say that the system will provide consumers with ‘clear, transparent and comparable environmental impact information based on science-based methodology.’
The assessment and scoring systems will include a method for measuring environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of products, backed by the principles of the European Union’s scientific method for quantifying Product Environmental Footprint. The consortium will also have a common database of environmental impact for standard ingredients and raw materials used in formulas and packaging, as well as during product usage.
The consortium is set to work with sustainability consultancy Quantis, ‘to ensure a robust and scientific approach.’ The partners said that the new scoring system ‘will aim to meet growing consumer demand for greater transparency about the environmental impact of cosmetics products.’
The consortium has stressed that the global initiative is open to all cosmetic companies, regardless of their size. In addition, the consortium will be consulting with external experts, including scientists, academics and NGO’s to ensure the ‘ongoing integrity of the approach.’ Industry associations are also being contacted to join the consortium.
Commenting; Philippe Osset consultant for the European Commission and French Standardisation Association, said; ‘It is possible for the cosmetics sector, as has happened in other sectors, to build a scientific environmental impact assessment of their products, based on full life cycle assessment…This is exactly what the consortium founding members are embarking on.’
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