The impact of upcycling in the cosmetics industry
If you’re a fan of upcycling, you’ve probably already used a tin can to turn it into a pencil cup… But did you know that today, more and more eco-responsible brands are promoting upcycling when creating new cosmetic actives ?
The aim of this approach : to transform waste from industry, generally the food industry, into a product of superior quality and utility.
Without further ado, find out more about this new trend that’s good for the planet!
What is upcycling?
Before getting to the heart of the matter, let’s take a brief look at what upcycling is.
Upcycling, also known as overcycling or “top recycling”, involves transforming a product to give it a second life, while upgrading the quality of the end product. This practice is particularly well known in the world of fashion, furnishings and decoration. Who hasn’t customised a piece of vintage furniture or turned an old wooden pallet into a sofa?
As well as stimulating the creative spirit, upcycling has many benefits for the planet. When we upcycle, we are transforming products that are no longer needed, destined to be thrown away, to give them a second life. The result? We’re helping to reduce pollution and extend their life cycle.
But that’s not all… By upcycling, you avoid the creation of additional raw materials. As a result, you’ll save both water and energy.
Upcycling in cosmetics : a new trend
Having made its mark in the fashion, furniture and decoration sectors, upcycling is now making its way into the world of cosmetics. It has to be said that the cosmetics industry is not without consequences for the environment. At a time when the urgency of climate change is obvious, it is important – indeed necessary – to rethink the way we produce and consume.
By practising upcycling, cosmetics brands are promoting an eco-responsible production method. In practical terms, this means reusing food waste (such as fruit skins, pits or tree bark) to transform it into ingredients. Once crushed, then transformed into oil or any other quality ingredient, these upcycled products are then incorporated into cosmetics.
Take apples, for example. Once the seeds and skin have been transformed into powder, this ingredient is an excellent anti-wrinkle and mattifying agent for the skin. Thanks to its emulsifying agents, you’ll discover a whole new range of sensory experiences!
Obtained by grinding, cherry stone powder is an excellent natural exfoliant, capable of restoring vitality and radiance to your complexion!
In addition to production, upcycling is also practised on cosmetics packaging. Thanks to the manufacture of glass bottles, some cosmetics brands offer consumers the chance to reuse these containers after washing them. Vase, lamp, secret box… It’s up to you to give your packaging a second life!
As you can see, upcycling in cosmetics is becoming a real trend. And that’s just as well, because today’s consumers are more and more sensitive to environmental issues, wastage and waste.