EVA BÖNZLI*, FRANZISKA WANDREY, FRED ZÜLLI
*Corresponding author
Mibelle Biochemistry, Buchs AG, Switzerland

Abstract

The great challenges facing us today are climate change, geopolitical crises, pandemics, supply chain problems, and reduced biodiversity. The cosmetic industry is adapting to these problems by assuming social responsibility, paying attention to fair trade, and reducing the carbon dioxide footprint. It also considers the need for organic, “green” ingredients and has the goal to be sustainable along the entire value chain. Modern, innovative biotechnologies can fuel the cosmetic industry and simultaneously become more environmentally friendly.

NOVEL BIOTECHNOLOGIES OFFER REPRODUCIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
The natural resources of our planet must be preserved for future generations. Manufacturers of sustainable cosmetics are committed to the responsible use of plant resources and ensure that they can regenerate. This includes the use of organic ingredients obtained in harmony with nature and under fair working conditions (1). Customers also expect cosmetics companies to adhere to these principles (2). To limit their impact on the environment, cosmetics companies are optimizing their manufacturing processes, using fewer resources, and actively protecting the environment (3). However, these efforts require high-tech equipment and expertise, which may initially lead to higher costs and development times (4), but which represents the only way to meet the global challenges and needs of the cosmetics industry as well as end consumers.
The key to meeting these new and ever-growing challenges is innovation based on active ingredients derived from plants and produced using state-of-the-art biotechnology. Active ingredients from rare, exotic, extremophilic and endangered plant species are of pa ...