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“Sustainability isn’t one thing you do as soon as—it’s a mindset, a dedication,” says Abena Antwi, the analysis director, product designer and chemist at Burt’s Bees. And that ethos is woven into all the things the beloved model does. From its iconic Beeswax Lip Balm to its increasing personal care lineup, Burt’s Bees has lengthy prioritized ingredient transparency, accountable sourcing and planet-friendly packaging–effectively earlier than “clear magnificence” grew to become a buzzword.
In honour of Earth Day, we spoke to Antwi about what sustainability actually seems like within the beauty business and the way Burt’s Bees continues to guide with goal. With many years of environmental advocacy underneath its belt, the model is doubling down on its efforts, from supporting regenerative agriculture and biodiversity to striving for net-zero plastic use.
As all of us mirror on how our decisions influence the planet, Antwi shares her tackle why significant change begins with asking higher questions. “We wish folks to suppose critically about what they’re shopping for, the place it’s coming from and the way it impacts the broader ecosystem.” Learn on for a behind-the-scenes have a look at how Burt’s Bees is making a extra sustainable future–one balm and bee at a time.
Burt’s Bees has lengthy been a frontrunner in sustainable magnificence. How does the model proceed to push the boundaries of sustainability throughout packaging, sourcing and manufacturing?
“Nice query. By way of manufacturing, we observe a ‘zero waste to landfill’ coverage–that means we intention to remove waste that may in any other case find yourself in landfills. We’re very intentional about decreasing our environmental footprint.
With regards to packaging, we’ve made it a precedence to make use of recyclable, reusable and compostable supplies, whereas additionally minimizing virgin plastic. In case you’ve adopted the model for some time, you’ll know we’ve all the time tried to innovate with sustainability in thoughts.
As a chemist, I take into consideration this holistically–from the product elements to the packaging to the total lifecycle of the merchandise. For sourcing, one story that’s very near my coronary heart is our shea and beekeeping work in Ghana, West Africa. We’ve spent the previous 10 years partnering with a women-led village to empower girls by educating them the way to grow to be beekeepers through the low season of shea harvesting. They’re now in a position to produce and promote beeswax and honey, making a extra sustainable livelihood.”
I really like that you simply’re empowering girls and supporting sustainability on the identical time. Are you able to share extra about Burt’s Bees’ newest international group initiatives and the way they align with the model’s mission to guard each folks and the planet?
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“One among our current initiatives is a partnership with rePurpose International, geared toward tackling ocean plastic. We’ve launched initiatives in each Ghana and India to repurpose plastic waste, notably in areas the place recycling infrastructure isn’t as superior. I used to be simply in Ghana final November, and it’s clear how important training and motion are in these communities.
Our sourcing group–together with our Director of Sustainability–additionally visits provider communities repeatedly to make sure moral sourcing. We be certain that the elements we use should not solely sustainably sourced but in addition free from battle, baby labor and different dangerous practices. It’s actually about sustainability in a full-circle, international manner–from the elements to the communities to the completed product.”
That’s so inspiring. Shoppers have gotten more and more conscious of what goes into their magnificence merchandise lately. How does Burt’s Bees guarantee the best requirements for pure formulations whereas sustaining product efficacy?
“That’s my ardour! Pure formulations are on the core of what we do. Whereas some firms would possibly add a small quantity of pure elements and name it a day, we go deeper. We consider the total profit of each ingredient, and the way it interacts together with your pores and skin–not simply from a pure standpoint, however from an efficacy and security perspective.
For instance, whereas important oils are pure, they are often irritating to some folks. So we discover lab-based options by means of biochemistry that provide the identical advantages with out compromising pores and skin well being or the planet. An awesome instance is cottonseed oil–it takes plenty of water to provide historically, so we ask: ‘Can we get the identical advantages with much less environmental influence’?”
That appears like an enormous enterprise. How difficult is that course of?
“It’s very research-intensive. We have now a big lab group and work intently with our uncooked materials suppliers. I’ve been with Burt’s Bees for 17 years, and I’ve seen how a lot issues have developed. Suppliers are far more conscious and aligned with client demand for sustainable, clear elements. Biotech is enjoying a giant position right here—serving to us create clear, secure elements which might be higher for the atmosphere.”
It’s clear plenty of care and science goes into it–and also you’re doing a incredible job. So, trying forward, are there any upcoming improvements or product launches that Burt’s Bees is very enthusiastic about within the realm of fresh and sustainable magnificence?
“Sure! I’ve been working intently on a brand new physique care line that builds on our current shea line, which includes the work we’re doing in Ghana. This subsequent evolution–what we’re calling ‘2.0’–will function new textures and boosted elements that customers are loving proper now, like niacinamide, peptides and ceramides.
We’re calling it a ‘booster’ skincare line. It merges pure elements with biotech elements to reinforce each the texture and efficiency of the merchandise. One among my favorite upcoming launches is a cream that transforms into an oil—it’s clear and tremendous enjoyable to make use of. I’m actually excited for everybody to strive it!”
That sounds wonderful! Are you able to share what a number of the boosters are?
“After all–we’ve included fashionable actives like niacinamide, peptides and a trio of ceramides. The objective is to create efficient merchandise which might be nonetheless true to our pure roots.”
I can’t wait to strive it! As a chemist and product designer, you’ve clearly labored intently with lots of Burt’s Bees’ choices. What are your private favorite merchandise?
“Undoubtedly our OG lip balm. I used it even earlier than becoming a member of the corporate! It’s breathable, moisturizing and doesn’t create that dependency you will get with petrolatum-based balms.”
“One other favorite is our shea lip serum. It’s light-weight, is available in 4 stunning shades that go well with all pores and skin tones and provides your lips a naturally fuller look because of the shea butter.”
“I additionally love our new birthday cake lip balm–it’s so enjoyable and flavourful! I lately made goodie luggage for my son’s birthday and included one for each child. It’s playful, and other people of all ages find it irresistible.”
A number of love for lip care! What about physique care–any faves there?
“Oh sure. Our Milk & Honey Body Lotion is a go-to for me. And we lately launched a Shea Physique Butter and Physique Oil–they’re unbelievable for dry pores and skin, particularly in winter. The feel and scent are each so comforting.”
Your pores and skin is glowing, by the way in which—what’s your secret?
“Thanks! I’ll be 48 this yr. I all the time say it’s not nearly particular person elements–it’s how they work collectively in a formulation. Lengthy-term, consistent care makes a giant distinction. You possibly can’t anticipate in a single day outcomes; it’s the every day habits that depend.”
Completely. Okay, final query–how are you celebrating Earth Day this yr?
“Yearly, Burt’s Bees offers workers eight hours of paid volunteer time. For Earth Day, we host what we name ‘Tradition Day.’ A few of us volunteer at native meals banks, others assist clear up the group. It’s all the time such a enjoyable and significant occasion. I really simply bought the invite to register for this yr’s Earth Day actions–we’ll be getting our palms soiled and giving again!”
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