Podcast 224: The latest in greenwashing: ‘more’ sustainable

If a cosmetic product isn’t sustainable to begin with, 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-friendly manufacturing facility he runs in Mumbai, India.

And in that interview, Nishit rightly said that it seems like everyone in the cosmetics industry proudly calls themselves “sustainable” – sometimes without any means to back up those claims.

In this week’s episode of the Green Beauty Conversations podcast, Lorraine Dallmeier, Chartered Environmentalist, Biologist and CEO of Formula Botanica now has the opportunity to examine three allegations of greenwashing in the beauty industry – ranging from ‘more’ sustainable shampoo bottles to government intervention with one of the largest personal care brands in the world.

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

— Lorraine Dallmeier, CEO of Formula Botanica

Basic Takeaways

• Understanding greenwashing: Brands now label their products as “more sustainable” without substantive changes. This episode highlights how to distinguish between genuine sustainability efforts and simple marketing tactics. Lorraine discusses deceptive practices and why they are problematic.
• Consumer awareness: Lorraine emphasizes the importance of educating consumers about the ingredients and practices behind their favorite beauty brands. Knowledge is power when it comes to making truly sustainable choices. He shares tips on how to research and challenge brand claims.
• Regulatory loopholes: Lack of strict regulations allows companies to make broad sustainability claims. We discuss the current regulatory landscape and the changes needed to ensure transparency. Lorraine sheds light on ongoing research and potential implications for industry.
• Spotting the red flags: Listeners will learn to spot common greenwashing strategies, such as vague language and lack of third-party certifications. This section offers practical advice on what to look for when assessing 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 on 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 the Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us at Facebook and Instagram.

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Lorraine Dallmeier is a biologist, certified environmentalist, and CEO of Formula Botanica, the award-winning online organic cosmetics school. Read more about Lorraine and the Formula Botanica team.