Cosmetic products are examined from a variety of angles: composition, performance, packaging, claims and more. However, one parameter is at the heart of all attention and mobilizes all industry players: eco-design. By 2022, the cosmetics sector was responsible for between 0.5% and 1.5% of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions.

It involves thinking about the impact of every stage in the life of a cosmetic product, from the choice of raw materials to the management of its end-of-life, and integrating an environmental protection dimension. This is a strategic focus for many companies, and is reflected in their CSR approach. This virtuous approach can be observed at every stage of product design, and there are numerous initiatives and innovations in response.

We can draw up a non-exhaustive list of the key parameters of eco-design by identifying the essential stages of this approach:

• Selection of sustainable raw materials with low environmental impact, including ecotoxicity and biodegradability. The notion of upcycled ingredients fits perfectly into this stage.
• Better management of waste and its recycling where possible.
• Innovative raw materials extraction processes that consume less water and energy
• Environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes with steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Recyclable, compostable and/or refillable packaging.
• Traceability throughout the supply chain.
• Optimal use of the product by the consumer, given that this phase accounts for up to 40% of greenhouse gases in the cosmetics sector.

ECO-CONCEPTION of beauty products requires various tools, such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This is currently the most effective assessment method for identifying, quantifying and reducing the environmental impact of a cosmetic product. LCA is a comprehensive, multi-criteria assessment that considers the entire life cycle of a product, with its input and output flows, from the choice of raw materials to the waste phase. The ISO 14040, ISO 14041, ISI 14042 and ISO 14043 standards set out the methodology for carrying out life cycle assessments in all industrial and commercial sectors. LCA represents a real asset for brands and manufacturers in their communications, and limits the risk of greenwashing that is so unacceptable to today’s consumers.

This notion resonates at different levels at MIYOSHI EUROPE. We value transparent exchanges with our partners on our ingredients, we measure our water and energy consumption and constantly seek to reduce them, we optimize our manufacturing processes and the distribution of our products. Our CDP (Climate A-) and Ecovadis (Gold 74/100) scores testify to the implementation and monitoring of all these actions.

Here are a few examples of our most recent achievements:

• Installation of solar panels in shaded areas to reduce our GHG impact
• LED lighting for the entire logistics warehouse
• Time-stamping of plant equipment
• Distribution of Sigmund Lindner biodegradable glitters in France (in accordance with OECD standards)
• Introduction of an ingredient selection process for our new developments

And let’s not forget a collaborative innovation initiative with local partners supported by the Rhône Alpes Auvergne Region and accredited by Innov’alliance: the COCOON Project. The Cocoon project won the France 2030 I-DEMO regionalized Auvergne Rhône-Alpes call for projects.

Together with Alpol Cosmétique, a manufacturer of skincare and suncare products, and LAGEPP, a multidisciplinary laboratory covering the fields of process engineering, automation, product engineering, pharmaceutical engineering and physicochemistry, Miyoshi Europe has embarked on a project to develop an eco-designed product with the aim of revolutionizing cosmetics without compromising on efficacy, tolerance and sensoriality.