2021 is the starting year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan and also a turning point for the cosmetics industry. In the past two years, competition in the cosmetics industry has intensified, and with the growing momentum for environmental protection, many companies have either actively or passively joined the environmental protection cause, seeking sustainable development while also contributing to the environment.

        Taking Arcade Beauty, a manufacturer of beauty product samples, as an example, it recently announced a piece of news - it has developed a recyclable PE (polyethylene) packaging bag for L'Oréal's largest beauty brand, L'Oréal Paris. Coincidentally, last week, L'Oréal announced that it would launch innovative cosmetic packaging bottles planned for production in 2025.

        Combining with other brands' 'environmental actions', I found that replacing packaging materials is a common response they adopt, such as using soluble packaging and 100% recycled plastic.

        Previously, foreign media reported that certain brands have developed technology to create plastic alternative packaging paper using bacterial cellulose. Bacterial cellulose, also known as 'microbial cellulose', has good biological adaptability and degradability and is a cutting-edge technology to reduce environmental pollution.

        It can be seen that environmentally friendly packaging is an inevitable trend in cosmetic development and an important technology for brands to enhance their competitiveness. In fact, besides packaging, we can also start from raw materials, processes, logistics, and other aspects.

        For example, HERA has improved its formula to better meet environmental requirements. One point is that its flagship product HERA Black Gold Long-lasting Foundation uses sustainably sourced palm oil certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

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        Additionally, Procter & Gamble's deodorant brand Old Spice has a deodorant called Clean Water whose paper tube packaging is made from recycled paper and features a 'push-up' design to reduce weight. The product's packaging is made from 90% post-consumer recycled materials and is reportedly the most environmentally friendly product among Procter & Gamble's men's beauty products so far.

        We know that reducing carbon emissions is the most direct method; therefore, if logistics transportation throughout the process is low-carbonized, the burden on the environment will inevitably be greatly reduced. For instance, Amorepacific's brand has significantly reduced its use of cushioning materials by switching to inflatable airbags instead of foam while also using plant fiber tape that can naturally degrade in a short time instead of traditional tape. Compared to before, just packing and transportation processes have become much more environmentally friendly.

        In summary, environmental protection has become a hot topic of discussion today. Today's consumers express their support for environmental protection causes by generally having a 'good impression' of such cosmetics. Therefore, regardless of their company's size, putting more effort into environmental issues is always correct!