Cosmetic Product Legislation and the Shift Toward Sustainability
The regulation of cosmetic products within the European Union is built on a foundation of ensuring product safety, efficacy, and quality, as outlined by standards such as Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. However, as global concerns over sustainability grow, regulatory frameworks are evolving to address environmental and social responsibilities, marking a new era in cosmetic legislation. Driven by the objectives of the European Green Deal, the EU is advancing legislative changes aimed at aligning the cosmetic sector with ambitious sustainability goals, focusing on reducing environmental impact and fostering a circular economy.
As a result, in addition to specific cosmetic and chemicals regulations, companies will also be required to comply with cross-sectoral legislation developed as a result of the European Green Deal. This includes broader regulations addressing areas such as packaging waste and environmental impact reduction. These new laws, applicable across multiple industries, impose standards that challenge cosmetic businesses to adapt their practices throughout the product lifecycle—from ingredient sourcing and production to packaging and disposal.
This shift represents a paradigm change, expanding compliance requirements. The evolving regulatory landscape demands that cosmetic companies adopt transparent and eco-conscious operations, promoting consumer trust while fulfilling the EU’s sustainability objectives.
EU Chemicals strategy for sustainability
A comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring the safe use, management, and disposal of chemicals across various sectors, including cosmetics. As part of the EU’s Green Deal commitments, this strategy emphasizes minimizing human and environmental risks posed by hazardous substances while promoting sustainable innovation in chemical usage, envisioning a transition toward a “green” chemical industry.
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
This regulation aims to ensure that sustainable products are the norm in the EU. It promotes the creation of products that are durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable, and energy-efficient, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. By integrating sustainable principles into product design, the initiative seeks to drive innovation in developing eco-friendly products across sectors, including cosmetics, supporting the EU’s transition to a circular economy.
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (draft)
This regulation aims to reduce waste and promote sustainability by minimizing the environmental impact of packaging, through encouraging the use of materials that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable, and by setting ambitious targets for reducing packaging waste across all sectors. Through this initiative, the EU seeks to support a circular economy where packaging materials are kept in use for as long as possible, thereby reducing waste generation and conserving resources.
Cosmetic Products Regulation
The Cosmetic Products Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009) is a fundamental EU legislative framework designed to ensure that all cosmetic products on the European market are safe, effective, and of proven quality. By setting rigorous standards, this regulation aims to protect consumer health and establish a harmonized market for cosmetics within the EU. In response to growing environmental concerns and the EU’s sustainability objectives, upcoming amendments to this regulation are expected, aligning the cosmetic industry with broader sustainability goals under the European Green Deal.
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Sustain your way I Cosmetic Product Compliance 