Pursuing a cosmetics industry with minimal waste production
In a bold move towards sustainability, the beauty industry giant, Provital, has launched HydrafenceTM, an innovative active ingredient for cosmetics. This development, inspired by the principles of the circular economy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Ensuring Sustainable Production and Consumption Patterns), marks a significant step towards a greener future.
HydrafenceTM, unveiled in 2019, is a natural active moisturizer and skin barrier enhancer. It boasts immediate moisturizing action 30 minutes after application and 120 hours of lasting hydration. The key component of this groundbreaking product is an upcycled substance, derived from byproducts of rice cropping.
Provital's commitment to reducing waste in the beauty and personal care sector is evident. By 2016, the organization had managed to recover 82% of all the waste generated in the production process. This year, they have taken it a step further with a pilot project with Barberà del Vallès City Council. The aim is to collect and recycle the organic and plastic waste generated in their industry canteens.
Provital's zero-waste approach extends beyond their own operations. They believe that responsible brands should know the exact origin of their ingredients and have full transparency in the supply chain. Ethical beauty brands should also aim for a zero-waste value chain, meaning nothing is discarded in the development or manufacturing process, and any byproduct is reused or recycled.
Last year, Provital generated just 0.22kg of waste for every kilo of product produced. This impressive figure underscores their commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Looking ahead, Provital aims to create more nourishing, natural active ingredients via 100% sustainable sources and upcycled substances.
The organization's efforts to promote a circular economy at the ingredient level are commendable. By utilizing rice byproducts, Provital enhances the value of raw materials while supporting a circular economy model and mitigating environmental damage through zero-waste principles.
A survey by Mintel in 2020 revealed that 44% of US consumers would buy BPC products made from organic waste from other industries. This consumer trend towards sustainability further underscores the importance of Provital's initiatives.
By facilitating a circular economy at the ingredient level, Provital hopes to inspire the wider industry to strive for zero waste cosmetics. Responsible brands should take decisive action by producing multifunctional products, creating recyclable packaging solutions, and using recycled or upcycled natural ingredients.
In an era where sustainability is no longer a luxury but a necessity, Provital's HydrafenceTM is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets environmental responsibility.
