Italian cosmetics are doing well. Preliminary 2023 figures from the Cosmetica Italia Study Center show total sales of the cosmetics industry in Italy up 13.3 percent from the previous year. To reach 15 billion euros with a projection to 2024 of an additional +9.8 percent, bringing revenues to 16.5 billion euros. In this state of good health and steady growth, the two main drivers that are increasingly driving consumer choices are directed towardinnovation and sustainability. Suffice it to consider how natural and green cosmetics came to earn a space and value of 3.1 billion euros in 2023. And how, more often than not, the search for organic formulations or those produced with a low environmental impact are supported by deep innovation practices in all production processes.
Innovation that goes hand in hand with sustainability
Against this backdrop, NASTE Beauty(https://nastebeauty.com)proposes an innovative “sustainable, organic and upcycled skincare line obtained through renewable energy sources and local partners.” A line “capable of positively impacting the environment and the land.” An aspect, the latter, of great importance within the growing trends of a beauty that increasingly and more deeply embraces the territorial context and the need for zero waste, that is, the reduction of consumption toward the total absence of waste: “Our products give a second life to the peels and seeds of Piedmontese apples remaining from the organic juice production process.” Even in beauty, therefore, everything is recycled and everything is transformed, with a view to respecting nature but also a commitment to providing ingredients of great benefit to the skin and the body.
From the peels and seeds of Slow Food Presidium apples.
The ongoing focus on environmental as well as social and governance sustainability, which make up the three core criteria of ESG, not only ensures a growing commitment to an increasingly green supply chain and production, but is also geared toward taking care of the processes of circularity and reuse of ingredients. Starting, for NASTE Beauty, with Apple Paste, the basic ingredient of the entire current 100% upcycled cosmetics line. “Apple Paste” is made by recovering the skins and seeds of Slow Food Presidium apples used to make organic juices. Through processing powered by renewable energy, a functional and naturally antioxidant ingredient is obtained due to the certified presence of natural nutrients, including polyphenols, fiber, catechins and sugars.”
A green supply chain from plant to packaging
“Backed by the expertise of theReynaldi cosmetics company, a producer of natural cosmetics for more than 40 years,” the Apple Paste used in NASTE Beauty cosmetics and the other ingredients “creates organic and traceable products on Italian soil, and does so through sustainable energy sources and processing water recovery systems.” Packaging, which plays a key role in the distribution of cosmetic products for product protection, is also a major element in conveying the values of environmental sustainability in terms of consumption of valuable elements such as paper, plastic and glass. Therefore, the packaging of NASTE Beauty cosmetics is composed of recycled and easily recyclable materials.
Caring for people and the value of work
Regarding the focus on the social aspect of ESG factors, the project involves collaboration “with social cooperatives in the area, going on to generate employment and positive impacts for young people from disadvantaged groups.” In this dimension, caring for the social fabric is as important as caring for the environmental aspect “to contribute to the well-being and growth of the area. For this, order preparation is entrusted to the social cooperative D.P.S. Dalla Stessa Parte.” Placing great emphasis on the educational value of work as well, which, through employment, can help ensure that “individuals with disabilities can achieve well-being and personal fulfillment.”
