



Asian Cosmetics Summit highlights sustainability shortcomings
by Redaktion (comments: 0)

The growing importance of Asia to the cosmetics industry was highlighted by Sam McKay, CEO of Jurlique. In his opening keynote, he declared: "Asia has become our number one focus as a region". The Australian organic skincare brand is expanding across the continent, acquiring several of its distributors to build a direct presence. However, a challenge is growing competition: "all the big brands are looking at Asia, making it difficult for us to get listings and build distribution", stated McKay.

With some ethical cosmetic brands unable to enter the Chinese market because of its animal testing methods, alternative methods were extensively discussed at the summit. Anthony E. James from the Chinese University of Hong Kong stated that China was falling behind many Asian countries that are now using a range of alternative testing methods. International trade – rather then pressure from NGOs and consumer groups - could force China to accept alternatives to animal testing methods. According to Nick Palmer from Cruelty-Free International, Chinese authorities will be under pressure to change their stance when the EU implements its ban of animal-tested ingredients and cosmetic products in 2013. Chinese companies could lose their international competitiveness as they develop separate product lines for the European market.
Sustainable packaging of cosmetic products is another area the Asian cosmetics industry needs to address. Very few Asian brands are taking steps to reduce the environmental footprint of their packaging. Grace Culhaci from Pure and Green Organics shared her difficulties in finding sustainable packaging solutions. She stated most packaging companies are disinterested in supplying sustainable materials. Pure and Green Organics is using PLA bio-plastics, cardboard, as well as eco-design to makes its packaging more environmentally-friendly.

Ethical issues pertinent to the Asian cosmetics industry were also discussed at the summit. Papers on the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in cosmetics, and growing popularity of the Halal labelling scheme underscored the influence of culture and religion on Asian consumer behaviour. Although green issues are becoming important in Asia, they appear to be somewhat lower in consumers’ hierarchy of needs.
The next Asia-Pacific edition of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit will look at ways of raising consumer awareness of green and sustainability issues in the region. The summit will once again take place in Hong Kong, on 11-12 November 2013. More information is available here: Sustainable Cosmetics Summit Asia
The next Asia-Pacific edition of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit will look at ways of raising consumer awareness of green and sustainability issues in the region. The summit will once again take place in Hong Kong, on 11-12 November 2013. More information is available here: Sustainable Cosmetics Summit Asia
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