Attention! This is what the future of cosmetics looks like

The cosmetics industry is changing, and brands can no longer ignore it. In 2022, the Plastic Soup Foundation found that 87% of best-selling cosmetics brands contained microplastics (1). Fortunately, plans are being made to reduce the environmental impact of the cosmetics industry. In the coming years, important laws and regulations will come into effect that target this. Curious about what will happen? Then read this blog. 

These are the most important changes that will take place in the field of sustainable cosmetics in the coming years:  

Ban on microplastics
Since October 2023, a major ban on microplastics has been in effect in the EU (2). This new regulation will be implemented gradually and will be in place by 2035. This will give brands time to adapt their product formulas and remove microplastics. The ban will first focus on rinse-off products such as shower gel and shampoo, which must be microplastic-free by 2027. Leave-on products, such as body lotion, will follow. Lip, nail and make-up products must also be microplastic-free by 2035. Many brands have already switched to microplastic-free formulas. Do you want to know if your cosmetic products contain microplastics? Then download the Beat The Microbead app. With this handy app you can quickly and easily check which cosmetic products are microplastic-free.  

Sustainable packaging
Packaging regulations are getting stricter, and that’s good news for the environment! The EU wants to see a 15% reduction in packaging by 2040 (3) – we think that’s a bit low, but hey, it’s a start. This means that cosmetics brands will have to make a serious investment by making their packaging lighter, recyclable, and reusable, and by finding alternatives to disposable plastic packaging. Luckily, many brands are already working hard on this, and you can buy more and more cosmetics in sustainable packaging. For example, have you ever seen Ströme ’s care products? The packaging of this new brand is 100% compostable and made from organic waste and mushrooms. Cool!  

Digital Product Passport (DPP)
With the arrival of the new legislation under the European Sustainability Product Regulation (ESPR) from the EU, a Digital Product Passport (DPP) is being introduced (4) . This passport is a kind of 'digital identity card' for products, on which you can find information about, for example, the composition, origin, and recycling options of the product. People are increasingly attaching importance to the origin and sustainability of their products, and therefore want to know where their cosmetic product comes from. In short: there is a need for transparency in the industry. A DPP can contribute to this and motivate people to make an informed choice in the field of cosmetics. Oh, and this new regulation will come into effect from July 18, 2024. We are curious!  

While the cosmetics industry is still a huge polluter, new regulations and plans like these show that it is becoming increasingly important to introduce more sustainability into the world of cosmetics. At Uncovered. Cosmetics, we are working hard on that by showcasing emerging brands that have sustainability at the heart of their mission.  

It will take a while before all the stricter rules are in effect, and that is why we advise you to choose brands that have sustainability high on the agenda. Need tips? Take a look at the website of Food For Skin , Nature Bar and SMPL  

Sources:
(1) https://www-plasticsoupfoundation-org.translate.goog/2022/04/bijna-9-op-de-10-producten-van-grote-cosmeticabedrijven-bevatten-microplastics/?_x_tr_sl=nl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

(2) https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/news/restriction-microplastics-eu-17-october-2023

(3) https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/nl/press-room/20240419IPR20589/nieuwe-eu-regulations-om-packaging-te-verminderen-te-hergeb smell-and-recycle#:~:text=The%20rules%20are%20the%20result,the%20quantity%20plastic%20packagingwaste%20limit.

(4) https://commission.europa.eu/energy-climate-change-environment/standards-tools-and-labels/products-labelling-rules-and-requirements/sustainable-products/ecodesign-sustainable-products-regulation_en