The luxury, cosmetics, and fashion industries, long perceived as synonymous with opulence and extravagance, stand at a crossroads today. Faced with growing environmental challenges, companies in these sectors are mobilizing to set an example.
Ethical Commitment
In the current context, where consumers are increasingly attuned to environmental issues, luxury brands such as Chanel and Dior, and cosmetic giants like L’Oréal and Shiseido, distinguish themselves through their ethical commitment. Shiseido, for example, has launched initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, developing eco-friendly packaging and promoting biodiversity.
Responsible Raw Materials
The use of responsible raw materials is a major concern for the luxury and cosmetic industries. Brands like Stella McCartney in fashion, Dior in luxury, and L’Oréal in cosmetics adopt sustainable materials, such as vegan leather and recycled packaging. For instance, Dior has integrated eco-friendly criteria into the selection of materials for its collections, setting an example in the fashion industry. Chanel is developing glass cream jars made from 15% recycled material.
Green Innovations in Research and Development on environmental impact
In the fashion industry, Adidas positions itself as a pioneer in green innovation by launching sneakers made from recycled ocean plastic. In the cosmetics sector, the industry is embracing green and biosourced chemistry. Shiseido has intensified its research to develop eco-designed products using recycled and recyclable materials, while Dior is committed to creating responsible perfumes, favoring sustainable ingredients.
Elegant Synergy with Fashion production
The alliance between luxury, cosmetics, and fashion is increasingly evident. Collaborations such as Gucci and Stella McCartney, along with initiatives by cosmetic brands like L’Oréal in eco-design, set new standards for an ethical and chic industry. Dior, with its eco-responsible approach in fashion, also testifies to the elegant synergy between luxury and sustainable fashion.
Growing Influence of Cleantech
Cleantech (or clean technologies) plays a crucial role in the sustainable transformation of these industries. Start-ups in Cleantech, developing eco-friendly alternatives in textile production, become indispensable partners for luxury, fashion, and cosmetic brands seeking to minimize their carbon footprint.
A Revolution in the Cosmetic Industry
While responsible for only 0.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, far behind the car, petroleum, and chemical industries, the cosmetic industry is accelerating the “re-use, recycle, reduce” trilogy for everyday products. Cosmetic brands offer more responsible uses, such as solid or refillable products. For example, Shiseido has introduced refillable packaging for some products, encouraging consumers to adopt more sustainable consumption habits. L’Oréal has included in its “L’Oréal for the Future” program an objective to reduce packaging intensity by 20% by 2030. All flagship perfumes, such as Lancôme’s La Vie est Belle, Armani’s Acqua di Gio, or Prada’s new launch Paradoxe, are designed with refills intended to be desirable. The choice of ingredients in skincare and perfume formulas is also a major lever. The era of green and biosourced chemistry has arrived, as highlighted by the “Cosmetic 360” exhibition in October 2023 in Paris, focusing on Cleantech and Biotech.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Beyond environmental considerations, brands like L’Oréal stand out for their corporate social responsibility. L’Oréal has implemented initiatives to support women in science and promote diversity. Guerlain, within the LVMH group, is also engaged in social actions, especially in education and sustainable development. Guerlain is committed to inclusive representation of society, transparency regarding its environmental and social impact, with its bee preservation action “Women for Bees” being communicated responsibly.
Educating Future Actors in Green Transformation, Luxury, and Fashion
Specialized Master’s programs in sustainable development, luxury, and fashion play a crucial role in training future professionals in the industry. Programs such as MSc International Business 4.0 – Leading Green & Digital Transformation and Luxury Marketing & Fashion Management illustrate how education can be a catalyst for change, preparing students to transform these industries from within.
From the Art of Luxury to Social and Environmental Responsibility
The luxury, cosmetics, and fashion industries are moving towards an era where refinement, environmental responsibility, and clean technologies coexist harmoniously. By adopting sustainable practices, promoting green innovation, and engaging socially, companies in these sectors contribute to shaping a future where beauty, elegance, and luxury coexist with respect for our planet. Higher education programs, such as the specialized master’s degrees offered by Essca Online Campus, serve as catalysts for this change, molding the next generation of leaders aware of the crucial importance of ethics in these interconnected universes.
Written by Aurélie Navez
Brand Strategy and Digital Marketing Consultant in the Luxury Perfumes and Beauty sector