As COP26 closes this weekend, we need to address continually the future of our industry. A Glasgow Climate Pact as been agreed, but we cannot assume how effective it will be, and already there is widespread concern on whether it is far-reaching enough. Pledges have been made, but with no viable system of enforcing change, self-policing is critical. This includes us. You and me. However overwhelming it might seem to adopt different systems, and literally pay more for change it often seems, hair and beauty must also rise to the challenge.
How will our industry survive?
Quite simply, how can we justify the hair and beauty services and products we use and offer unless we make them sustainable and carbon-neutral, ie with no negative impact on our environment? And if you don’t care to make changes on ethical and personal grounds, then think on this; your business surely will suffer as clients increasingly seek out brands and services with a conscience and a purpose. In April 2022, the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) is a tax on plastic packaging produced in, or imported into, the UK, that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic. From this date companies that produce or import (either filled or empty) more than 10 tonnes of plastic packaging over a 12-month period will be liable for a tax of £200 for every tonne of packaging made from less than 30% recycled plastic.
There is a shift in mindset coming. Be part of it, make it work for you.
Big hitting change
The major hair brands are on the case to reduce climate warming. We’ve reported on Aveda’s quest for sustainability from turning 100% Vegan at the start of this year, to tackling packaging, clean water and production processes. L’Oréal Professional Products is investing massively in sustainable practices and reviewing processes. And this month comes news from Kao EMEA, the Japanese manufacturer of brands including Goldwell, KMS and John Frieda, that they have achieved climate neutrality at production and administration facilities in the UK and Germany. This is through a combination of strong on-site measures and a collaboration with a solution provider called ClimatePartner. They will go on to work on all territories and aim to reduce emissions globally by 2040. Great Lengths has also been through a massive process to attain a b-corp status as testament to its commitment. Of course Davines has led the way on this and is much admired for its integrity to achieving sustainable practices in all ways: Davines has committed to become a Net Zero company by 2030.
Justify hair and beauty
There are good resources for trying to figure out what change means for your business. Of course choice of manufacturer is vital in deciding with brands to work with. But it’s important to address wider issues such as your choice of energy provider, the systems within your salon or mobile services, from refreshments to water usage and beyond.
• Look at the recently produced Planet Positive Beauty Guide available FREE from the British Beauty Council. Scan the QR codes HERE to download
• Talk with Green Salon Collective about your waste management – you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve
• Sign up for Anne Veck’s regular Email ‘Salon Re:Source‘ which gives you bitesize info and links to discover more
• ask your favourite brand what they are doing and see how you can get involved
• join local task-forces who will be initiating local projects which are fun and rewarding – from litter-picking to clean up rivers and streams, to campaigning. Just search online: use Berlin-based ‘Ecosia’ as a search engine – 80% of its profits go to nonprofit organizations that focus on reforestation, and they are B-Lab certified. Read more HERE
Get involved. You can’t afford not to! It’s not difficult and if you are aged under 60, you will be likely impacted by climate change from flooding, to extreme weather, to supporting displaced communities around the world whose native countries become uninhabitable. And if you’re under 30, you definitely will. It’s not a pleasant prospect.
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