The beauty and personal care industry is at a pivotal juncture as sustainability and technological innovation increasingly intersect to reshape the sector. This convergence was the focus of the recent Personal Care Product Council (PCPC) webinar, Harnessing Technology Tools to Power Sustainability.
Industry leaders and experts shared transformative insights on leveraging technology—ranging from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to blockchain—to achieve ambitious sustainability goals. We spoke to the webinar’s moderator and speakers for their insights into the key takeaways for cosmetics and personal care product manufacturers and suppliers.
Integrating sustainability across the supply chain
Sustainability is no longer an isolated aspect of business; it has become integral to every stage of product development. Speaker Cara Eaton, Head of Sustainability for Consumer Care at Croda, emphasized the importance of embedding sustainability into organizational strategy.
“Our Product Carbon Footprint initiative, which released approximately 1,500 Croda Beauty Product Carbon Footprint statements in 2024, has demonstrated clear benefits,” Eaton explained. “It not only identifies carbon emission hotspots for targeted reduction strategies but also empowers customers to make informed ingredient choices based on their environmental impact.”
Eaton further highlighted Croda’s focus on transparency, which aligns with growing consumer demand for traceability. “Consumers seek detailed information about product origin and environmental impact.” Therefore, “it is imperative to support these claims with robust data and third-party validations,” she added.
Technology as an enabler of accountability
With regulatory landscapes tightening globally, brands must substantiate sustainability claims more rigorously than ever before. Speaker Jessi Baker, MBE, founder of Provenance, addressed the challenges brands face in validating and communicating these claims effectively.
“One of the main hurdles is the lack of a universal blueprint for sustainability claims,” said Baker. “At Provenance, we ensure every claim is either certified by reputable third parties or supported by specific evidence aligned with evolving legislation.”
Baker also emphasized the role of digital platforms in enhancing consumer trust. “Sustainability information is a complex data challenge, but a tech-first solution is the only way to address it effectively,” she noted, citing Provenance’s work with brands like The Nue Co. as an example of successful integration.
Navigating the costs and opportunities of biotechnology
Biotechnology offers promising pathways for sustainability, though challenges remain. Speaker Jasmina Aganovic, CEO of Arcaea, pointed to the cost disparity between biotech-derived and petrochemical ingredients. “Petrochemical ingredients have decades of cost efficiency. Biology, while more complex, requires time to reach similar economic scales,” she explained.
Despite this, Aganovic underscored the potential for innovation, particularly in areas like sun care. “By using microbial fermentation to produce novel molecules, we not only address sustainability challenges but also enhance product aesthetics and efficacy,” she said.
Collaboration, Aganovic argued, will be key. “Established beauty companies and biotech startups have complementary strengths. Partnerships can accelerate innovation while bridging gaps in commercialization and market fluency,” she observed.
Enhancing ESG practices through technology
Moderator Maggie Spicer, Founder of Source Beauty ESG, provided a broader perspective on the role of technology in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance.
“Technologies like blockchain can streamline ESG reporting and compliance, significantly reducing internal workloads while increasing supply chain visibility,” Spicer explained. She emphasized the need for balance: “Over-focusing on regulatory compliance without aligning with broader sustainability goals risks creating an imbalance that undermines the entire ESG strategy.”
Spicer also stressed the importance of accountability. “Brands must validate their sustainability claims with clear and substantiated evidence. Without it, they risk losing consumer trust and facing regulatory action,” she warned.
Key takeaways for industry leaders
The PCPC webinar underscored several actionable insights for beauty brands aiming to integrate sustainability and technology:
- Data is Critical: As Eaton remarked, “Data collection and analysis drive meaningful decisions and action plans.” Comprehensive data underpins both sustainability initiatives and regulatory compliance.
- Start Small, but Start Now: Baker advised brands to begin with “small wins,” like highlighting vegan claims or carbon-neutral ingredients, to build momentum toward larger sustainability goals.
- Collaboration Drives Innovation: Aganovic encouraged partnerships between biotech innovators and traditional beauty companies, emphasizing mutual benefits in expertise and resources.
- Focus on Product Design: Spicer called for a holistic approach that embeds sustainability from the earliest stages of product development.
As the beauty and personal care industry continues its “green transition,” the integration of technology with sustainability is proving to be not just a trend but a necessity. By leveraging innovative tools and fostering cross-industry collaboration, companies can position themselves at the forefront of this transformative era.
