Sustainable production refers to the process of creation of goods and services while ensuring that the energy and natural resources are conserved, pollution is minimized, economically viable. Also, the product has to meet the health and safety standards of the employees and as well the end users (Jabbour, 2015). All industries are striving to ensure that the damages to the environment are maintained at minimal levels possible. The cosmetic industry is one of the areas that have large manufacturing plants and use of chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and the final users. There are deliberate efforts by the industry players to ensure that the products meet the sustainable production standards. The question of sustainable production in cosmetic products is viewed with a paradox because most people do not regard them as essential products. However, they contribute to the basic hygiene and help in bringing the best in people regarding confidence and appearances. Thus, they are part of our daily products and thus the need for careful evaluation of their production procedures, use and waste management. This paper will compare the production of L'Oreal lipsticks against DeVine Goddess Lipstick manufactured by an Australian cosmetic company Napoleon Perdis.
L'Oreal is one of the oldest cosmetic companies in the world. It was founded in 1906 as a hair dye company which later expanded to include many brands including lipsticks, nail polish, and mascara among others. L'Oreal has been featured in Ethisphere Institute’s 2014 World’s Most Ethical (WME) organizations in the year 2014. The body evaluates companies based on their ability to source raw materials ethically, organic and sustainable production systems and methods, green packaging, carbon and water management strategies, waste management, and operational efficiency among others. The company has achieved sustainable production goals through setting up corporate social responsibilities and working with international environmental bodies in ensuring that the production systems are the most efficient (Fivek, Hovis, Miller, & Spangler, 2015).
Also, the organization has strived to increase the portions of the components that are organic in nature and shunning over dependence on the synthetic chemicals. There is a growing demand for the organic products, especially in the cosmetic industry. The trend is driven by the health and safety concerns among the consumers. Al through the effectiveness remains a work in progress regarding the performance; it has significantly contributed to the sustainable production goals (Fivek, et al., 2015).
DeVine Goddess Lipstick is an Australian lipstick product that has had its fair share of blame in the debate for sustainable production. The company uses mica as the base product that is sourced from India. The combination of the synthetic chemicals used in the production is a call for alarm owing to the bodily and environmental harm. Some of the chemicals that are used in the production may find their ways into the food chain and may harm the animals and human consuming them. Amongst the dangerous chemicals that are used in the production include mercury and lead and may pose a great danger to the living organisms. There are also issues of land degradation in the manufacturing sites where the raw materials such as mica are mined (Doherty & Whyte, 2014).
Finally, the two companies use plastic and glasses in their packaging. Whereas the packagings are recyclable, some countries may not be in a position to recycle thus posing environmental issues. There is a need for the organizations to work together towards ensuring a sustainable production system that caters for the environment has been implemented (Doherty & Whyte, 2014).
References
Doherty, B., & Whyte, S. (2014, January 19). India's mica mines: The shameful truth behind mineral make-up's shimmer. Retrieved from http://www.smh.com.au/national/indias-mica-mines-the-shameful-truth-behind-mineral-makeups-shimmer-20140118-311wk.html
Fivek, E., Hovis, C., Miller, M., & Spangler, K. (2015, May 6). L’Oréal: Beauty for Everyone? — Community, Environment, and Development: An Undergraduate Research Journal — Penn State University. Retrieved from http://aese.psu.edu/students/research/ced-urj/news/2015/l2019oreal-beauty-for-everyone
Jabbour, C. J. (2015). Special issue: Sustainable consumption and production in emerging economies. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 4, 1. doi:10.1016/j.spc.2015.10.004
