Podcast 224: The latest in greenwashing: “more” sustainable

If a cosmetic product isn’t sustainable in the first place, how can it suddenly become ‘more’ sustainable when a brand makes an improvement?

The language used by beauty brands in relation to sustainability can be problematic.

Last week, we interviewed Nishit Dedhia of KAIN Cosmeceuticals about the eco-designed manufacturing plant he runs in Mumbai, India.

And in that interview, Nishit rightly said that it seems as if everyone in the cosmetics industry now proudly calls themselves ‘sustainable’ – sometimes without any means to back those claims.

In this week’s episode of the Green Beauty Conversations podcast, Lorraine Dallmeier, Chartered Environmentalist, Biologist, and CEO of Formula Botanica now takes the opportunity to look at three greenwashing claims in the beauty industry – ranging from “more” sustainable shampoo bottles to governmental intervention with one of the world’s largest personal care brands.

“The beauty industry is not sustainable in the slightest in its current form, and we all know it. But that doesn’t mean that the sustainability claims aren’t off the charts. ” — Lorraine Dallmeier

Key Takeaways

• Understanding greenwashing: Brands are now labelling their products as “more sustainable” without substantial changes. This episode highlights how to differentiate between genuine sustainability efforts and mere marketing tactics. Lorraine discusses the deceptive practices and why they are problematic.
• Consumer awareness: Lorraine emphasises the importance of consumers educating themselves about the ingredients and practices behind their favourite beauty brands. Knowledge is power when it comes to making truly sustainable choices. She shares tips on how to research and question the claims made by brands.
• Regulatory gaps: The lack of stringent regulations allows companies to make broad sustainability claims. We discuss the current regulatory landscape and the necessary changes to ensure transparency. Lorraine sheds light on the ongoing investigations and the potential impact on the industry.
• Spotting the red flags: Listeners will learn to identify common greenwashing strategies, such as vague language and lack of third-party certifications. This segment offers practical advice on what to look out for when evaluating sustainability claims.
• Moving forward: The episode concludes with a call to action for both consumers and brands. Lorraine urges listeners to demand more transparency and accountability from the beauty industry, advocating for informed and conscious purchasing decisions.

Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed listening, please share, subscribe and review this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Lorraine Dallmeier

Lorraine Dallmeier is a Biologist, Chartered Environmentalist and the CEO of Formula Botanica, the award-winning online organic cosmetic science school. Read more about Lorraine and the Formula Botanica Team.