Introduction: As humanity’s impact on the environment becomes more apparent and concerning with every passing year, consumers, governments and industry leaders alike are calling for novel ways of providing high-quality products in a sustainable way. To this end, we have created a range of products- etch&ethos- that combine cutting-edge sustainability initiatives in all stages of the production process, from manufacturing to packaging, to minimize our carbon footprint while maintaining the high standards of quality and scientific rigor that are expected by consumers.
Methods: We have invested heavily in creating a purpose-built manufacturing facility- the Green Core- that utilizes the greenest, most efficient processes to minimize our carbon footprint. This includes overhauls to, among others, HVAC, filling lines, water retention and recycling, and waste processing. Our new sustainable range of cosmetic skincare products, which includes lotions and cleansers, cements this sustainability drive by using ingredients that are as naturally-derived as possible according to the ISO 16128 Standard, which is the only internationally-recognized measurement tool for determining a products level of naturally-derived content. Finally, our innovative packaging uses recycled, locally-sourced plastic milk bottles which ensures not only that we are reducing waste with our own products, but also recycling local waste that would otherwise be shipped overseas for disposal in landfills.
Results: In 2020 alone, Ego’s Green Core eliminated the creation of 66 tonnes of carbon dioxide, and conserved approximately 1Kl of water, 400mJ of natural gas, and 1L of magnesium hydroxide per tonne of product manufactured compared with 2019 figures, with a further 40% reduction on 2019 figures projected by 2025. This represents a significant reduction in emissions and waste. The two types of product in our etch&ethos range- our Hydrating Body Wash’s and Nourishing Body Lotion’s- each contain 94% naturally-derived ingredients as calculated according to the ISO 16128 Standard. Crucially, achieving this level of naturally-derived content was possible without compromising on quality: each ingredient underwent a rigorous audit of its efficacy, safety and suitability, in addition to stability trials. The products themselves also provide skin conditioning benefits, such as 24 hour hydration, that are commensurate with existing, non-sustainable products. The packaging used for these products has been designed in such a way as to be completely recyclable, with caps made from polypropylene, bottles made from 50% recycled resin and 50% virgin resin, and labels made from wood-based polyethylene film, which is the first time this renewable alternative to fossil oil-based film has been used in Australia.
Discussion: Sustainability has become one of the most pressing issues for industry in recent years. While this has resulted in numerous cosmetic products with naturally derived ingredients and/ or recyclable packing, many if not most manufacturers are yet to proactively overhaul the ways in which they develop and manufacture their products to truly make them sustainable. At Ego, our all-encompassing approach to sustainability has resulted in significant reductions in emissions and waste, reductions that are predicted to improve considerably in the coming years. In addition, the first products in this sustainable range use novel packaging concepts to aid recycling and robust science to determine natural origin. The combination of all of these initiatives have resulted in products that are as sustainable and environmentally-conscious as possible right throughout development and beyond. We hope that this approach will show what can be done, and offer a sustainability blueprint to industry.
Conclusion: The etch&ethos range and the sustainable infrastructure around it offers truly sustainable, environmentally-conscious skincare products to consumers without compromising on quality or efficacy. This shows that, with the right approach, industry can lead the way on sustainability.