Search Results (80)

This study explores whether sustainability achievements—proxied through ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting—are associated with superior financial performance in Latvia’s manufacturing sector, where ESG maturity remains low and institutional readiness is still emerging. Building on stakeholder, legitimacy, signal, slack resources, and agency theories, this study applies a mixed-method approach (that consists of two analytical stages) suited to the limited availability and reliability of ESG-related data in the Latvian manufacturing sector. Financial indicators from three large firms—AS MADARA COSMETICS, AS Latvijas Finieris, and AS Valmiera Glass Grupa—are compared with industry averages over the 2019–2023 period using independent sample T-tests. ESG integration is evaluated through a six-stage conceptual schema ranging from symbolic compliance to performance-driven sustainability. The results show that AS MADARA COSMETICS, which demonstrates advanced ESG integration aligned with international standards, significantly outperforms its industry in all profitability metrics. In contrast, the other two companies remain at earlier ESG maturity stages and show weaker financial performance, with sustainability disclosures limited to general statements and outdated indicators. These findings support the synergy hypothesis in contexts where sustainability is internalized and operationalized, while also highlighting structural constraints—such as resource scarcity and fragmented data—that may limit ESG-financial alignment in post-transition economies. This study offers practical guidance for firms seeking competitive advantage through strategic ESG integration and recommends policy actions to enhance ESG transparency and performance in Latvia, including performance-based reporting mandates, ESG data infrastructure, and regulatory alignment with EU directives. These insights contribute to the growing empirical literature on ESG effectiveness under constrained institutional and economic conditions. Full article

Environmental protection has become one of the key challenges of our time. This has led to an increase in pro-environmental activities in the field of cosmetics and household chemicals, where manufacturers are increasingly trying to meet the expectations of consumers who are aware of the potential risks associated with the production of cosmetics and household chemistry products. This is one of the most important challenges of today’s industry, given that some of the raw materials still commonly used, such as surfactants, may be toxic to aquatic organisms. Many companies are choosing to use natural raw materials that have satisfactory performance properties but are also environmentally friendly. In addition, modern products are also characterized by reduced consumption of water, resources, and energy in production processes. These measures reduce the carbon footprint and reduce the amount of plastic packaging required. In the present study, seven formulations of environmentally friendly car shampoo concentrates were developed, based entirely on mixtures of bio-based surfactants. The developed formulations were tested for application on the car body surface, allowing the selection of the two best products. For these selected formulations, an in-depth physicochemical analysis was carried out, including pH, density, and viscosity measurements. Comparison of the results with commercial products available on the market was also performed. Additionally, using the multiple light scattering method, the foamability and foam stability were determined for the car shampoos developed. The results obtained indicate the very high application potential of the products under study, which combine high performance and environmental concerns. Full article

In the context of climate change, it becomes of utmost importance to limit the negative impact of industrial activities on carbon emissions, water stress, biodiversity loss, and natural resources depletion. Whether we consider the situation from a product-centered perspective (life cycle, R&D&I process, tools, methods, design, production, etc.) or from a human-centered perspective (habits, practices, fixation, strategic orientations, emotional sensitivity, etc.), coming years will represent a formidable upheaval for companies. To support this transition, various tools assessing products’ impact have been developed over the past decade. They aim at guiding decision makers, integrating new criteria to assess project success, and promoting the development and industrialization of solutions answering pressing environmental issues. If assessment is a key factor of success, it has become clear that processes and practices also need to evolve for practitioners to properly integrate sustainable requirements from the initial stages of their project. In that context, biomimicry, the approach aimed at taking nature as a model to support the design of more sustainable solutions, has been the center of growing interest. However, no integrated methods exist in the cosmetics sector to assess if a product is properly developed through biomimicry. This missing framework led to difficulties for cosmetic companies to support eco-design through biomimicry. In this article, we present a method called Biomim’Index developed by L’Oréal research and innovation sustainable development team to address three objectives: (i) to characterize cosmetic technologies according to whether they are based on bioinspiration, biomimetics or biomimicry; (ii) to guide the project’s leaders to identify key steps to improve existing cosmetic technologies through biomimicry; and (iii) to support the integration of biomimicry as an operational approach towards the development of new sustainable cosmetic technologies. This method, focusing on the problem-driven biomimetic approach is based on a combination of procedural requirements from the biomimetics TC288 18458:2015 ISO norm and environmental design requirements from L’Oréal for the Future (L4TF) commitments. Results present a proof of concept to outline the method’s efficiency and limits to support innovative eco-designed projects and value cosmetic technologies designed through biomimicry. Full article

Cosmetics companies are increasingly integrating augmented reality and artificial intelligence technologies into products and services referred to as beauty tech; consumer perceptions of these solutions, however, remain understudied. Data generated via an online survey are implemented in a stimulus–organism–response framework, deduced from the beauty tech literature. Thereupon, the study identifies how interactivity, informativeness, personalization, and service quality of digital and physical beauty tech solutions for home use affect utilitarian and hedonistic values and the perceived risk factors among consumers. Via customer satisfaction, the effect of the value perception on the purchase intention and loyalty is considered. Results hint at strong effects of characteristics of the services and applications on the utilitarian and the hedonistic dimension of customer experience, which in turn strongly influence customer satisfaction. Perceived risk factors play only a marginal role. Only regarding the tested physical product does higher service quality add to the customer experience. Customer satisfaction in turn results in positive brand perception across different stages of the customer journey and leads to a higher purchase intention, positive brand advocacy, and a higher re-purchase intention. Consequently, well-designed solutions can generate higher customer satisfaction and loyalty on multiple stages along the customer journey. Full article

Microalgae offer a sustainable and versatile source of bioactive compounds. Their rapid growth, efficient CO₂ utilization, and adaptability make them a promising alternative to traditional production methods. Key compounds, such as proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), polyphenols, phytosterols, pigments, and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), hold significant commercial value and are widely utilized in food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, driving innovation across multiple industries. Their antiviral and enzyme-producing capabilities further enhance industrial and medical applications. Additionally, microalgae-based biostimulants and plant elicitor peptides (PEPs) contribute to sustainable agriculture by enhancing plant growth and resilience to environmental stressors. The GRAS status of several species facilitates market integration, but challenges in scaling and cost reduction remain. Advances in biotechnology and metabolic engineering will optimize production, driving growth in the global microalgae industry. With increasing consumer demand for natural, eco-friendly products, microalgae will play a vital role in health, food security, and environmental sustainability. Full article

Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen, also called jambù, is a medicinal and aromatic plant native to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest and phytochemically characterized by N-alkylamides with spilanthol as the main active compound. Jambù recently attracted the interest of many companies because of its wide range of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. In this context, it is desirable to identify eco-friendly cultivation methods that not only minimize the environmental footprint but also support the biosynthesis of the plant’s valuable bioactive compounds. The zero-discharge approach of aquaponics makes this growing system an eco-friendly and sustainable production strategy for crops. Thus, a greenhouse experiment was conducted on two jambù cultivars, i.e., cv ‘purple’ and cv ‘yellow’, grown in aquaponic and hydroponic systems. The objective was to compare their contents of N-alkylamides, their numbers of capitula, which are the main source of these bioactives, and their volatile profiles. The results highlighted differences between the two cultivars and among plants harvested at different periods. Interestingly, aquaponics yielded plants with a high N-alkylamide content, which was comparable to that obtained with hydroponics. Overall, this study highlighted the feasibility of adopting aquaponics to grow A. oleracea, paving the way for circular economy-based and sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

Developing innovative cosmetics products is essential for businesses in the beauty industry, influencing their ability to grow, remain competitive, and respond to rapidly shifting market trends. A structured, customer-oriented approach to product design and development is particularly crucial in cosmetics, where factors such as product safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability are paramount. In this context, Conceptual Engineering offers a valuable early-phase framework for cosmetics design, providing a foundation to define the structure, functionality, and feasibility of product concepts prior to detailed development. This study focuses on the application of Conceptual Engineering to the creation of a bio-based cosmetic product, specifically a hair mask. Here, we address unique challenges in cosmetics design, including strict health regulations, ingredient safety, environmental considerations, and cost management in generating and validating product concepts. To meet these demands, we propose an iterative concept development process tailored to cosmetics: a single concept is generated and iteratively refined through feasibility testing, physical validation, and further adaptation based on feedback. Each successful iteration brings the concept closer to market readiness, bridging the gap between sustainable product innovation and practical industrialization. This structured process, implemented in collaboration with an industry partner, underscores the potential of Conceptual Engineering to support sustainable cosmetics design. The case of the bio-based hair mask illustrates how aligning design innovation with environmental and regulatory requirements can enhance the responsiveness of cosmetics companies to consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Full article

Sea fennel, a halophyte with growing economic importance in the Mediterranean region, offers a rich source of bioactive compounds for diverse applications in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Recognizing the crucial role of eco-design in promoting sustainable food production, this study aimed to assess the environmental impacts of two novel sea fennel products: dried spice and fermented pickles. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was used to evaluate the environmental burdens of these new products, from raw material acquisition to packaging end-of-life, to fine-tune the innovation process. Primary data were collected from a company in the Marche region, Italy. The Environmental Footprint 3.1 method was applied to analyze the impacts. From the results obtained, the climate change score for the spice was 6.24 kg CO₂ eq./kg spice, while the fermented pickle was 0.89 kg CO₂ eq./kg product—net weight. The results also revealed that primary packaging emerged as the primary environmental hotspot for both products, accounting for more than 40% of the total impacts in most of the impact categories. Glass packaging significantly contributed to the environmental impact of the spice, while both glass jars and tin-plated steel lids contributed substantially to the impact of the pickled products. Despite the generally low impact of sea fennel cultivation, the processing and packaging stages significantly increased the overall environmental impacts of both products. This study provides valuable insights for manufacturers seeking to develop and commercialize highly sustainable sea fennel-based products. By identifying key environmental hotspots and implementing eco-design principles during the product development phase, manufacturers can significantly reduce the environmental impact of these novel food products. Full article

Economic and environmental issues translating into energy costs and pollution within the production environment are increasingly attracting attention. Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) is gaining ever-higher importance within production environments. Since cosmetic consumers and companies are becoming increasingly sensitive to sustainability, the cosmetic field is working to reduce the environmental and social impact along the whole supply chain. Furthermore, IEE actions in business processes can lead to several medium- and long-term economic and environmental benefits. This paper is the first work in the literature presenting a real-case application of energy analysis and modeling to achieve better energy performances in a cosmetics production process. Thus, in the body of knowledge, it contributes by providing a real case of good practice to be benchmarked for future IEE interventions in cosmetics manufacturing processes. The work has been conducted by analyzing the production process’s energy consumption and developing an energy model of a selected machine (i.e., a turbo-emulsifier). The analysis and modeling performed aimed at assessing the different operational phases of the machine and evaluating the different behaviors of the data. Finally, the results allowed us to propose possible improvements to be applied to the production process to achieve better energy performances. Full article

Green and roasted coffee oils are products rich in bioactive compounds, such as linoleic acid and the diterpenes cafestol and kahweol, being a potential ingredient for food and cosmetic industries. An overview of oil extraction techniques most applied for coffee beans and their influence on the oil composition is presented. Both green and roasted coffee oil extractions are highlighted. Pressing, Soxhlet, microwave, and supercritical fluid extraction were the most used techniques used for coffee oil extraction. Conventional Soxhlet is most used on a lab scale, while pressing is most used in industry. Supercritical fluid extraction has also been evaluated mainly due to the environmental approach. One of the highlighted activities in Brazilian agribusiness is the industrialization of oils due to their increasing use in the formulation of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods. Green coffee oil (raw bean) has desirable bioactive compounds, increasing the interest of private companies and research institutions in its extraction process to preserve the properties contained in the oils. Full article

Nigeria is a foremost oil producer in Africa, and thus faces substantial environmental issues like pollution and climate change. Therefore, since green taxation and green innovation emphasize inventing new technologies, mitigating environmental damage, and stimulating sustainability, understanding and encouraging green taxation and green innovation might aid in reducing these environmental challenges and protect natural resources. This study therefore explored the influence of board structure on the link between green taxation, green innovation, and cosmetic accounting practices of firms. This study adopted auxiliary data from the World Bank, OECD, and Nigerian corporations’ annual reports. The analysis included 792 firm-year observations from 2014 to 2021. A logistic regression analysis was performed. This study documented that firms costume their income to avoid paying environmental taxes or to generate a more constructive image of their green practices. Similarly, it was found that green innovations attract firms to engage in cosmetic accounting practice in Nigeria. However, firms’ effective board mechanisms have been found to prevent the likelihood of cosmetic accounting practices. Finally, it was established that green taxes and green innovations could prevent firms from engaging in cosmetic accounting practices in companies with effective board mechanisms. This study is the first to explore the influence of governance structure on the nexus between green taxation and cosmetic accounting practices of firms. The findings of this study provide valuable information to regulatory authorities, policymakers, and companies seeking to promote sustainable growth and green protection. Full article

The Polish market of cosmetics is highly rich in different types of hair care preparations. A great number of Polish and foreign cosmetic companies and brands mean that finding care products ideal for a given person should be trouble-free. Unfortunately, a wide selection is both an advantage and a problem when a customer is doubtful about how a given cosmetic can work and what an individual’s hair really needs. Reading the composition of cosmetics, the potential user can recognize the needs of their skin or hair, which affects taking more conscious care and choosing the right cosmetics with more attention. This article assesses which ingredients and types of ingredients are present in the largest number of preparations and in the highest positions in the composition. This is a comparison of ingredients present in the largest amounts between four groups of hair cosmetics: care products with washing properties (shampoos), care products without washing properties (conditioners), preparations that are aqueous solutions (water cosmetics), and preparations that are not aqueous solutions (waterless cosmetics). It was revealed that the vast majority of all high-ranking ingredients are substances responsible for the functionality of hair cosmetics: surfactants, rheology regulators, substances responsible for foaming properties, emulsifiers, and solvents. The huge number of substances that can be used in hair products imposes the fact that the ingredients of the highest rank will be substances with many applications and, at the same time, are those that form the base of the cosmetic. Full article

Driven by growing environmental concerns and regulations, cosmetic companies are seeking reliable methods to promptly assess the possibility of replacing high-impact ingredients with sustainable alternatives. In this work, we exploited rheological and texture analyses to evaluate the possibility of using natural and biodegradable raw materials for reformulating three commercial oil-in-water skin care emulsions from an eco-design perspective. Synthetic texturizers, like nylon-12 and PMMA, were replaced with starch, maltodextrin, and silica, while acrylic rheological modifiers were substituted with polysaccharide associations of sclerotium gum, xanthan gum, diutan gum, and carrageenan. Plant-based emollients and a biodegradable elastomer were used as alternatives to silicone oils. The flow and viscoelastic properties of the samples were characterized using rheological tests under continuous and oscillatory flow conditions. The immersion/de-immersion texture analysis allowed us to measure the mechanical properties of firmness, adhesiveness, and stringiness. A double-blind sensory test assessed the products’ application and sensory characteristics. The results revealed that rheology and texture analysis are complementary and correlated techniques, useful for predicting cosmetics’ sensory characteristics. While perfect replication of the original formulas might not be achievable, this protocol can aid formulators in selecting new eco-friendly ingredients ensuring the products’ desired application and sensory properties without compromising consumer experience. Full article

The global packaging industry has been growing significantly, resulting in an increase in waste and emissions. Social responsibilities, regulations and targets are shifting companies’ priorities to various sustainable practices. This study comprised a life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify and compare key initiatives influencing the sustainability of plastic cosmetic packaging. The life cycle environmental effects of dematerialisation, recycled content, energy-saving initiatives and renewable energy powering the manufacturing processes, and the end-of-life (EoL) recycling rates of various scenarios, were evaluated. Moreover, a variety of fossil-based and bio-based polymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), wood–polymer composite (WPC) and polylactic acid (PLA), were considered. The study determined that dematerialisation and recycled content had the most beneficial impacts on packaging sustainability. When 100% recycled materials were used, an overall impact reduction of 42–60% was noted for all the materials considered. Using 100% renewable energy and applying measures to reduce the energy consumption in the manufacturing stage by 50% reduced the total impact by approximately 9–17% and 7–13%, respectively. Furthermore, it was concluded that PP had the lowest environmental impacts in the majority of the case scenarios considered, by an average of 46%. Full article

Secondary metabolites of plants are of major interest for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications. The extraction methods for these compounds must be optimized to achieve the best possible yield without altering the effectiveness of the targeted compounds. In this paper, we examine the methods of extraction of plant compounds, especially those applied to plants of the Lamiaceae family, renowned for their aromatic and medicinal roles. To do so, we consulted databases specialized in patent documentation, using appropriate keywords with the help of International Patent Classification (IPC) codes. Our results present the analysis of the 140 relevant documents selected. The first patent relating to our field of study was granted in the United States in 1998. It concerned a process for obtaining antioxidants from plant materials. The year 2020 saw the registration of the largest number of these documents (15). Most of the documents identified (66) were filed in China. The French company Naturex, which specializes in plant-based products, is the number one depositor in the field of plant extraction. The relevant patents selected describe processes using various extraction methods and agents, most of which are valid for many plants, while some focus on genera of Lamiaceae, such as Salvia, Ziziphoria, and Clinopodium. Full article