Looking Towards a More Beautiful, Sustainable Future


By Lisa Powers
EVP, Public Affairs & Communications
Personal Care Products Council

Climate change is among the most pressing issues of our time. While we have made progress – as an industry and as a country – we still have a long way to go. The Biden administration recently put climate change back at the center of U.S. domestic and international policy by rejoining the Paris Agreement, which aims to combat climate change and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low-carbon future. This renewed focus on sustainability will impact our economy and the way we conduct business.

The Paris Agreement works to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to assist developing countries in their efforts to combat climate change.[1] More than 70% of the global economy has set targets to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. “Net-zero” has become a global rallying cry and is a necessary step to beat back climate change and its devastation successfully.

The United Nations notes that a key element is powering economies with clean energy, replacing polluting coal, gas and oil-fired power stations with renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar farms. Climate action and investment in green industries create jobs and drive economic growth. Companies across all sectors are taking ambitious action to halt the devastating impacts of climate change.

The beauty industry has long been committed to ethical and transparent practices, as well as the responsible management of its environmental impacts and economic and social value. Many cosmetics and personal care products companies are taking action by committing to improving the efficiency of their energy use in transportation and operations, shifting toward renewable energy sources, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

More than two-thirds of PCPC members are actively managing energy use and carbon emissions in their operations. Companies have also set targets to reduce water consumption and improve water efficiency. Many have committed to zero waste to landfills for their manufacturing sites and have set ambitious goals to make all plastic packaging recyclable, reusable, compostable or refillable.

While we are proud of the efforts individual companies are making in the sustainable management of their businesses, we recognize companies large and small still have more to do. Our goal is to work in coalition, together with other like-minded organizations, to help create a more beautiful and sustainable world for us all.

As Earth Day approaches, we can all do our part in helping to address climate change. EARTHDAY.ORG offers these simple ideas:

  • Get informed. Learn more about the science behind climate change, the responsibility that all sectors hold and their actions to address the crisis. Find out about emerging, evidence-based data that directly relates to changes in our climate.
  • Hold yourself accountable. Take a personal inventory of your impact on the planet by calculating your carbon footprint. Consider offsetting carbon emissions by investing in clean and renewable energy projects worldwide that support local communities, drive sustainable development and protect our planet.
  • Unplug. Unplug items when they are not in use, buy goods with high energy-efficient standards and consider switching to renewable energy.
  • Travel smarter. Transportation is the largest source of carbon emissions in the United States. No matter where you live, travel by car or airplane contributes heavily to our shared carbon footprint. Take public transit, bike or walk when possible – it’s good for your health, your wallet and the planet.
  • Consider your food. Your food’s carbon footprint is the GHG emissions produced by growing, harvesting, processing, transporting, cooking and disposing of the food we eat. Research revealed the tremendous impact that the mass production of meat, dairy and eggs has on our planet.
  • Shop smarter. Support companies driven by sustainability and committed to transparency throughout the supply chain. Your power as a consumer can have an enormous impact. Shop smarter with thoughtful purchasing to minimize waste, and consider reused items to take part in the circular economy and keep goods out from filling our already overflowing landfills.

We can combat climate change, but it takes all of us — industry, consumers and the government. This Earth Day, what will you do to lead us to a more beautiful, sustainable future?

 

[1] https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement/key-aspects-of-the-paris-agreement

Statement by the Personal Care Products Council in Support of the Reintroduction of the Humane Cosmetics Act


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACTS:

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org 

Stefanie Harrington, (202) 615-6558, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org 

 

Statement by the Personal Care Products Council in Support of the Reintroduction of the Humane Cosmetics Act 

 

Washington, D.C. – “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) stands firm in its commitment to eliminate new cosmetics animal testing and urges Congress to reintroduce the bipartisan Humane Cosmetics Act. 

“The Humane Cosmetics Act ensures a uniform standard for animal welfare, while continuing to support the development of safe and innovative cosmetics and personal care products. We are proud of our work with legislators, regulators and other partners, including the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF), on the previous version of this legislation and look forward to continued collaboration as we work toward our shared goal of eliminating cosmetics animal testing globally. 

“The beauty industry has long advocated for government recognition and acceptance of alternative testing methods for product safety. Working with regulators, scientists and safety experts – and through collaborations with institutional, academic and private sector partnerships – PCPC and its member companies have promoted and used alternative methods for decades.  

“To date, the cosmetics and personal care products industry has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to develop scientifically valid alternatives to animal testing. This research began in 1981 with an industry grant to establish the Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT). The cosmetics and personal care products industry continues to support research programs that eliminate the need for animal testing and remains committed to advocating for the acceptance of alternative methods and approaches to animal testing by regulatory bodies around the world.” 

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For more information on cosmetics and personal care products, please visit www.CosmeticsInfo.org. 

Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.