In the cosmetics industry, navigating certifications and standards is crucial for demonstrating product quality and sustainability. With numerous regulations and norms, it can be overwhelming to understand what each one means for your business. Let’s break down the key certifications and standards relevant to cosmetics and explore their impact.
What are certifications and standards?
Certifications are formal recognitions that products, services, or processes meet specific criteria set by third-party organizations. Standards are established norms or guidelines that ensure consistency, safety, and quality across industries. For cosmetics, these standards help verify claims related to sustainability and product impact.
Key certifications and standards for cosmetics
1. ISO 17029
ISO 17029 focuses on verifying claims related to sustainability. This standard ensures that all statements made about your product's environmental benefits—whether on your website, social media, or marketing materials—are accurate and verifiable. For instance, if your skincare brand claims local production but sources ingredients internationally, ISO 17029 ensures that your claims align with reality.
2. ISO 14064 [Partial LCA]
ISO 14064 measures and reports your company's overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This standard provides insights into how much carbon your entire company is responsible for, from manufacturing to product delivery. For a beauty brand, this means understanding the total environmental impact of running your business.
3. ISO 14067 [LCA]
ISO 14067 is more specific, focusing on the carbon footprint of individual products. It helps you determine how much carbon a single product—like a jar of moisturizer—creates throughout its lifecycle, from ingredient sourcing to packaging. This standard provides detailed insights into the environmental impact of each product.
4. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Life cycle assessments measure a product’s total environmental impact, from raw materials to disposal. While LCAs provide a comprehensive view of pollution and resource use, ISO norms like ISO 14064 and ISO 14067 ensure that these assessments are conducted accurately and consistently.
5. EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)
The EU ETS limits carbon emissions for companies. If you exceed your allocated carbon allowances, you’ll need to purchase additional credits. This system incentivizes companies to reduce their emissions and invest in cleaner technologies.
6. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
CBAM applies carbon pricing to imported goods to ensure they meet EU emission standards. This mechanism levels the playing field by making sure imported products are subject to the same sustainability requirements as locally produced goods.
7. EU Green Claims Directive
The EU Green Claims Directive focuses on verifying environmental claims to prevent "greenwashing." It requires that all eco-friendly claims about products be accurate, transparent, and supported by robust evidence. This directive aims to ensure that consumers can trust the sustainability claims made by brands.
Why Arkive is essential
Arkive helps your business navigate these certifications and standards effectively. By integrating Arkive’s platform, you can manage and verify your sustainability claims, track your carbon footprint, and ensure compliance with ISO norms and EU regulations. Arkive’s tools simplify the process of adhering to these standards, helping you avoid costly mistakes and demonstrating your commitment to genuine sustainability.
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Ready to take control of your sustainability claims and streamline compliance? Register at our portal to get started with Arkive and ensure your cosmetics business meets all the necessary standards efficiently.