Use of resources
Raw Materials
The cosmetics industry faces the challenge of reconciling the needs of consumers for high-quality products with the requirements of sustainable raw material sourcing. In recent years, the focus has increasingly shifted to the origin and impact of raw materials on the environment and social conditions in the countries of production.
When selecting raw materials, we attach great importance to acting responsibly and sustainably. To this end, we work closely with our suppliers to ensure that our quality and sustainability requirements are met. When planning, we also take into account the delivery routes in order to further minimize the environmental impact.
Emil Kiessling has been a full member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) since January 8, 2015 and supports the goal of successively certifying palm oil, palm (kernel) oil and its fractions and derivatives in our products in accordance with the RSPO standards. Wherever possible, we use renewable raw materials and avoid materials containing animal or mineral oil. In addition, over 97% of the palm oil and palm kernel oil derivatives we use are RSPO Mass Balance certified. For further information, please visit: www.rspo.org
Check out our progress at www.rspo.org/members/3615
Sun protection development
Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role - also in sun care. Choosing the right raw materials is crucial in order to protect the skin as well as the environment. Our modern sun creams are based on highly effective and photostable UV filters of the latest generation. The desired sun protection factor can therefore be achieved with the least possible use of chemical UV filters.
Another important issue is biodegradable ingredients and their origin. In the past, sunscreens often contained synthetic polymers that were difficult to dissolve in water and could end up in the environment. Thanks to intensive research and consistent further development of our formulations, we rely primarily on sustainable alternatives such as natural-based emulsifiers and vegetable waxes that care for the skin without unnecessarily harming the environment.
Most of our sun protection products are labeled “waterproof”. The water resistance of a sunscreen product can contribute to environmental protection, particularly in relation to the protection of water bodies and marine ecosystems. If sun protection products are not waterproof, they wash off quickly when swimming or sweating and are thus increasingly released into the environment. In order to maintain protection against UV radiation, sunscreen must be reapplied more often. A waterproof sunscreen, on the other hand, stays on the skin for longer and reduces the amount of ingredients that enter the water in an uncontrolled manner. The waste water produced when showering is first treated in the sewage treatment plant and any residues are removed.
By combining environmentally friendly raw materials, biodegradable ingredients and resource-saving formulations, we are constantly developing the concept of sustainability in our sun care products. Now more than ever, our customers have the opportunity to consciously choose products that protect both their skin and nature.
Natural cosmetics
Emil Kiessling GmbH also offers natural cosmetics. Our NATRUE-certified products meet the highest quality standards for genuine natural and organic cosmetics. We attach great importance to the highest (organic) quality and local origin as far as possible right from the raw material extraction stage. Independent seals, such as the NATRUE seal, on our products facilitate orientation and offer trust. Each product undergoes a long and complex certification process to guarantee our customers transparency and safety. We make no compromises when it comes to the quality of our natural cosmetics. NATRUE, an international non-profit organization, sets strict criteria for the certification of natural and organic cosmetic products in order to distinguish genuine natural cosmetics from numerous nature-inspired products. We rely on ingredients of plant origin and consciously avoid unnecessary chemicals in order to conserve natural resources.
Packaging
To reduce CO2 emissions in the production of packaging, we rely on various sustainable alternatives.
For example, we use r-HDPE bottles, r-PET bottles, PCR plastic tubes and rPP closures. Since 2014, we have been using PCR materials in the areas of bottles, tubes & closures and pumps, which help to reduce CO2 emissions during the production of the respective packaging. In order to optimize recyclability, we use, among other things, labels that detach during mechanical recycling and thus promote recycling. Black closures are used with a carbon-free black masterbatch so that they can be recycled. rPET bottles are not fully dyed to enable recycling.
With a view to conserving resources, we are constantly working to reduce the weight of packaging wherever possible. For example, height-reduced closures are used for tubes or bottle weights are reduced. We use FSC-certified materials and mineral oil-free printing inks for our paper and cardboard outer packaging. We also use mono-materials that promote recyclability. We are also currently testing the use of packaging made from PET produced with recycled CO2 (ethanol obtained from CO2 recycling).