Eco boost: Five recent developments in sustainable beauty across APAC

1 – Transformative purpose: Cosmetics an ‘incredible platform’ to help First Nations communities thrive

The cosmetics industry has the resources and potential to prevent the loss of First Nations culture and knowledge that will ultimately benefit the environment​, says one supplier that works closely with these communities.

Native Extracts is an Australian ingredient supplier that claims to have the largest library of native botanical extracts.

In the past few years, the company has observed a huge demand for Australian-made cosmetic products, or A-beauty.

The firm believes that the demand for A-beauty will continue on an upward trajectory on the back of clean beauty and increasing interest in native extracts.

2 – ‘Cautious decisions’: Pandemic pushes Indian DTC brand Bombay Shaving Co. towards luxury and sustainability

The consumption shifts brought about by the global COVID-19 pandemic is pushing Indian personal care brand Bombay Shaving Company​ to centre its product development on premiumisation and sustainability.

Founded in 2016, Bombay Shaving Company is a premium personal care brand for men and women that develops products spanning shaving solutions, hair removal products, skin and body care.

In the last three and a half years, the company has developed a portfolio of over 100 products. It has also attracted investments from FMCG companies Colgate Palmolive and Reckitt.

Despite the global pandemic, the digital-first brand has managed to grow its business and is now three and a half times bigger that it was pre-COVID and has an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of U$13.7m.

3 – Mindful growth: Promoting sustainable consumption top-of-mind for waterless beauty brand founded by ex-Amazon VP

An ex-Amazon VP who founded waterless Singapore start-up Bhuman says early interest from big-name retailers won’t deter its focus on promoting sustainable consumption​ and insists there is no merit in growing the brand “just for the sake of growing”.

Bhuman is a waterless personal care brand by Yeeli Lee, former vice president of Amazon China and brand consultant that has worked with Unilever, Proctor & Gamble, Coty and The Estée Lauder Companies.

Lee developed the brand to an effort to combat climate change by reducing the usage of single-use plastics and lowering the carbon footprint of the beauty industry by using sustainable processes and waterless technology.

The brand currently offers a single product – B Clean Waterless Facial Wash Powder, a 100% plant-based enzyme powder cleanser has a zero-water footprint, allowing it to cut down on emissions from transport as well as packaging.

4 – War on waste: Aussie brand My Soda aiming to fizz in sustainable beauty space with refillable hair care range

Australian personal and home care manufacturer Natures Organics has launched a range of refillable hair care products as sustainable packaging is rapidly becoming an “expectation”​ from Australian consumers.

Hitting shelves in major supermarket chain Woolworths in May this year, My Soda is the latest hair care brand from Natures Organics, a family-owned producer of personal and home care products from Victoria, Australia.

The new brand consists of plant-based shampoos and conditioners housed in refillable bottles crafted from recycled plastic, as well as refill packs designed to reduce plastic waste.

“Our bottles are designed to be reused over and over again, and our refill pouches use 80% less plastic than our standard bottle,”​ said Elise Synnott, marketing manager, Natures Organics.

5 – Go big or go home: Wiz Care’s strategy to balance sustainability and affordability in India’s personal care mass market

An Indian personal care and hygiene company is walking the fine line between sustainability and affordability by launching jumbo-sized packs​ and multifunctional products for the mass market.

Cossmic Products is an India-based fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturer established in 1978 that produces products under private labelling.

Additionally, it also develops and distributes its own personal hygiene brand Wiz Care which was founded in 2001.

The massive surge in demand for personal hygiene products in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic saw the company’s overall sales soar in 2020, growing three times over the year by March to reach INR 12Cr (U$1.64m). According to the firm, it is currently on a similar growth trajectory for 2021.