PODCAST 219: Why beauty brands are getting sued for sustainability claims

Have you ever wondered how to navigate the tricky waters of sustainability regulations? This episode is a must-listen to ensure your brand stands out for the right reasons.

In this episode Maggie Spicer, a lawyer and sustainability advisor, joins us. She heads Source Beauty in Washington, DC. Maggie brings a wealth of knowledge from her dual background. She offers unique insights into the complexities of environmental claims in the beauty industry.

Maggie shares her passion for both beauty and sustainability. It led her to complete a Formula Botanica certificate during her maternity leave. Ultimately, it spurred her to start her own firm.

Join us as Maggie breaks down the common issues brands face and how to deal with them.

Whether you’re a seasoned brand owner or just starting out, Maggie’s advice will empower you to make informed decisions that resonate with consumers and regulators.

“Some brands try to get cute. They want a little bunny. It looks like it’s leaping, but it’s not the leaping bunny certification. What you’ve now done is you’ve not only attempted to infringe on somebody’s intellectual property, but you’re misleading a consumer because they’re going to think your product is either cruelty free or leaping bunny certified.”

Maggie Spicer, Source Beauty

In this episode featuring Maggie Spicer, you will hear:

• Maggie’s transition: How Maggie made the shift from corporate law to founding Source Beauty.
• Sustainability claims: The importance of substantiating sustainability claims and the risks of not doing so.
• Regulatory insights: Delving into the evolving regulatory landscape around environmental claims.
• Strategies: Considerations for auditing and categorising claims across different platforms.
• Practical advice: Guidance on building a sustainable brand that resonates with both consumers and regulators.

KEY TAKEOUTS INCLUDE:

• The importance of authenticity: Maggie emphasises that brands need to develop a clear and authentic sustainability strategy. It must be tailored to their unique positioning and target audience.
• Navigating regulations: The regulatory landscape for sustainability claims is evolving. Maggie explains the importance of understanding and following both national and international standards to avoid legal pitfalls.
• Consumer perception: Ensuring that sustainability claims are clear and documented is crucial for keeping consumer trust. Misleading claims can lead to significant legal challenges.
• Framework for claims: Building a robust framework for sustainability claims helps brands move from a state of fear to empowerment.

Listen now to our latest episode to discover how to protect your brand and avoid sustainability pitfalls.

Meet our guest: Maggie Spicer

Maggie Spicer is a lawyer and sustainability advisor who founded Source Beauty in Washington, DC. Her firm helps brands and founders navigate sustainability regulations, build sustainability initiatives, and make credible environmental claims. Maggie’s background as a supply chain attorney and her passion for beauty and sustainability led her to create a business that integrates legal expertise with strategic sustainability advice.

Find out more about Maggie Spicer:
• Green Beauty Guide on Instagram
• Maggie Spicer on LinkedIn
• Source Beauty

Link to 10 Steps to a Sustainable Brand & Maggie’s Sustainability Bootcamp (scroll down the page)

Related Episodes

• Episode 8 – Why 100% natural claims could get you into trouble
• Episode 81 – Can the beauty industry ever be transparent?
• Episode 69 – Biodegradable Beauty – a license to greenwash the beauty industry?

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 iTunes, Spotify or Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter 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.