Overcoming Challenges in Sustainability

Overcoming challenges in sustainability is a multifaceted challenge demanding collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and resolute commitments from all sectors of society. 

Balancing cost-effectiveness with scalability, ensuring widespread adoption, and optimizing manufacturing processes remain critical focus areas. Moreover, sustainable alternatives must match or exceed the performance and functionality of synthetic polymers, including properties such as durability, strength, flexibility, and stability in their various applications across industries.

Overcoming challenges in sustainability also requires the unlocking of sustainable finance, along with collaborative efforts between policymakers, industries, and research institutions, which are imperative for a seamless transition to a more sustainable future:

1. Industries can collectively work on improving the scalability, cost-effectiveness, and performance of their sustainable solutions through shared knowledge, research initiatives, and technological innovations.
2. Policymakers can facilitate this transition by creating supportive regulations that incentivize the adoption of eco-friendly materials and practices.
3. Researchers can drive enhancements by exploring new materials, refining production techniques, and improving sustainable alternatives.

There has been a shift in consumer demand, especially post the pandemic, and consumers, armed with knowledge, have become catalysts for change. Their influence on market dynamics has pushed policymakers to bring in more environmentally friendly regulations, and industries to adopt more sustainable products as well as environmentally and socially friendly practices.

To remain competitive, cosmetics and personal care companies are increasingly integrating sustainability into their business models – including, but not limited to, sourcing eco-friendly ingredients, adopting natural formulations, reducing carbon footprints, and using sustainable packaging. 

Adopting natural formulations and ingredients in the beauty industry

The pursuit of sustainability is driving innovations in the industry, but biopolymers have been gaining popularity in the personal care industry due to their eco-friendly and sustainable nature. They have diverse applications, across various products, and offer numerous benefits with their use.  Here are some key applications of biopolymers in the personal care industry:

1. Skincare, sunscreens, and protective formulations: biopolymers like hyaluronic acid and xanthan gum provide hydration and plumpness and act as emollients and moisturisers. Some biopolymers also create thin films over the skin’s surface, enhancing smoothness and protecting against environmental stressors. Biopolymers also assist in stabilising sunscreen formulations while also contributing to their texture and spreadability.
2. Hair care: Biopolymers such as guar gum or hydrolyzed proteins can act as conditioning agents. They also contribute viscosity to shampoos and conditioners, offering a pleasant texture without weighing down the hair.
3. Natural surfactants and cleansers: Biopolymers like saponins or algal extracts can serve as gentle cleansing agents in facial cleansers or body washes.
4. Anti-aging and anti-wrinkle products: Biopolymers like peptides or plant-based polymers are used as substitutes for collagen, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.
5. Microencapsulation: Biopolymers are used in microencapsulation techniques to encapsulate active ingredients, enabling controlled release in products like lotions or serums. 

Other nature-based Innovations for a Sustainable Future

While several challenges like scalability and performance persist, technology, innovation, and research have been key to developing more innovative solutions replacing conventional products and methodologies and finding diverse applications across industries:

Biopolymer Reinforcement for Packaging Solutions

The integration of plant-based biopolymers in packaging solutions has emerged as a promising avenue to reduce the environmental impact of traditional plastic packaging. By leveraging the natural properties of biopolymers, manufacturers can produce durable and versatile packaging materials that offer enhanced biodegradability and compostability. 

This shift not only mitigates the burden on landfills but also minimises the risk of harmful pollutants leaching into the soil and water systems, ultimately reducing our reliance on traditional plastics.

It fosters a more sustainable approach to product packaging and distribution.

Eco-Friendly Remediation with Biosurfactants

Surfactants, conventionally, have been the compounds utilised for the cleansing and foam-creating actions in shampoos, body washes, and cleansers, and have been petrochemical-based. 

Beyond their use as alternatives in personal care products, Biosurfactants, in turn, have demonstrated significant potential in environmental remediation efforts. These biodegradable compounds exhibit remarkable abilities to facilitate the degradation of hydrocarbons and other pollutants. It makes them valuable tools in the restoration of contaminated sites and the mitigation of oil spills. By harnessing the natural properties of Biosurfactants, environmental engineers and scientists can effectively accelerate the remediation process.

Generally, it minimises the ecological impact, restoring ecosystems and safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

Precision Delivery Systems with Microcapsules

The versatility of microcapsules extends beyond personal care applications, finding utility in developing precision delivery systems for various industries like agriculture and pharmaceuticals. 

In agriculture, for instance, microcapsules enable targeted delivery of fertilisers and pesticides, reducing the overall environmental footprint of agricultural practices. By minimising the dispersion of chemicals into surrounding ecosystems, these microcapsules facilitate more controlled and efficient nutrient and pest management.

It promotes sustainable agricultural practices and safeguarding soil and water quality for long-term ecological resilience.

It’s time to commit to nature

Nature works in an organised, structured, and cyclical manner, and it is time to take inspiration from nature and look at processes holistically from birth to end – or what has been defined as the circular economy. 

In a circular economy, the emphasis is on products sourced from nature and designed to return or be reused until they reintegrate into nature. 

To support a circular economy, and humanity’s future, there has been a strong shift towards eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices. Eco-friendly materials are finding applications in various industries from construction to personal care. Moreover, sustainable practices and materials also help bring down emissions and lower carbon footprints. For e.g.biofuels derived from biomass can significantly lower emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels, with estimates suggesting reductions between 60 to 90% in CO2 emissions. And, plant-based biopolymers can potentially reduce carbon emissions by a notable margin. Greenitio found reductions in emissions of up to 90% for its products, especially if sourced sustainably and produced using renewable energy. 

Embracing sustainability: A collective commitment for a resilient future

In navigating the current and complex situation of climate change and a transition to a sustainable future, embracing sustainable alternatives emerges not just as a choice but as a collective responsibility. Bringing such solutions to the mass market and adopting them will lead to a more resilient future and better living standards. Consumer demand coupled with regulations and governance have triggered a strong industry-wide shift towards eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices,  pivotal for wider adoption of products and practices, and ultimately achieving the 2030 Agenda.

Why is the ban significant?

Several countries have voluntarily proposed regulations to end certain aspects of plastic pollution, e.g. the ban on added microplastics to consumer products under the REACH regulation in Europe, or the Modernisation of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) in the US. 

However, this landmark ban proposes an internationally, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, that’d place an emphasis on a holistic approach and also address the ‘full life cycle’ of plastics versus solutions around recycling or waste treatment.

The transboundary nature of plastics and synthetic polymers

The ban acknowledges the transboundary nature of plastic pollution and emphasises the importance of a full-cycle approach and global cooperation to combat it. 

In the November 2023 meeting of the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the ban, The Executive Director of the UNEP, Inger Andersen shared: “The resolution passed at UNEA 5.2 (the fifth United Nations Environment Assembly in 2022) called for an instrument that is, and I quote, ‘based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic. Not an instrument that deals with plastic pollution by recycling or waste management alone. The full life cycle. This means rethinking everything along the chain, from polymer to pollution, from product to packaging.” She added, “We need to use fewer virgin materials, less plastic, and no harmful chemicals. We need to ensure that we use, reuse, and recycle resources more efficiently. And dispose safely of what is left over. And use these negotiations to hone a sharp and incisive instrument to carve out a better future, free from plastic pollution.” 

The lifecycle of a plastic

Plastic is primarily derived from fossil fuels, which are then processed into plastic polymers through processes like polymerisation. These synthetic polymers can be moulded into different products, or added as chemicals to products for applications in various industries – from industrial uses to personal care products. The finished products are distributed and consumed globally, in various forms, shapes, and sizes through logistics and transportation.

At the end of their lifecycle, they are treated as waste and disposed of through landfills, incineration, or recycling. 

• If not properly recycled, plastics end up releasing toxins into the soil through leaching in landfills, or the air through incineration. 
• Certain plastics that are not easily recyclable end up staying in the environment for a long time and break down into microplastics, endangering ecosystems, impacting soil and marine life, and potentially human health.

Synthetic polymers, commonly used in various industries for their durability and versatility, have contributed significantly to the mounting environmental crisis. With an estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic waste entering the oceans each year, the ecological impact is profound. 

The UN’s ban is a critical step toward curbing this catastrophic trend. 

Solutions to the plastic lifecycle

Among solutions including stakeholder collaboration, a comprehensive look at the plastic lifecycle, and a shift towards the circular economy, the committee has recognised innovation as a key solution to tackling the impact of climate change. It is necessary to bring in sustainable alternatives and technologies, promote sustainable design, and limit waste generation.

Keeping in mind the beginning of the lifecycle as well as the end, plant-based biopolymers, biosurfactants, and microcapsules act as a viable alternative – bio-based, biodegradable, and functional.

Green Innovations and practices as a response to synthetic polymers

Remarkable Surge in Research 

The ban has instigated a remarkable surge in research and development efforts focused on the exploration and implementation of plant-based biopolymers and biosurfactants. This surge in innovation has not only accelerated the discovery of eco-friendly alternatives but has also paved the way for developing cutting-edge technologies. It has helped towards the development of sustainable manufacturing practices that prioritise environmental sustainability and reduce carbon footprints.

Plant-based biopolymers, biosurfactants, and microcapsules as alternatives

Embracing plant-based biopolymers

As the world grapples with the challenges posed by the ban, researchers and innovators are increasingly turning to plant-based biopolymers as a sustainable alternative. 

These biopolymers, derived from renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, and cellulose, offer comparable properties to their synthetic counterparts. At the same time, it significantly reduces the environmental footprint. 

Biopolymers, sourced from natural origins, e.g. algae or plant starches, serve as sustainable alternatives in cosmetics, offering versatile applications in skincare formulations or as biodegradable packaging materials.

Moreover, their biodegradable nature ensures a more eco-friendly end-of-life cycle, mitigating the long-term environmental impacts associated with traditional polymers.

The Rise of Biosurfactants

Complementing the shift toward biopolymers, the utilisation of biosurfactants has gained traction in various industries. 

These surface-active compounds, derived from living organisms, exhibit excellent emulsifying and cleaning properties. They are being increasingly adopted as substitutes for their synthetic counterparts in diverse applications e.g. in industrial processes and especially in consumer products such as detergents and cosmetics.

Integrating biosurfactants not only enhances product sustainability but also fosters a healthier ecosystem by minimising the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

Harnessing the Potential of Microcapsules

In parallel, the development of microcapsules has garnered attention for its multifaceted applications across industries. 

These tiny spheres, typically composed of biodegradable materials, offer a promising solution for the controlled release and targeted delivery of various substances with applications in pharmaceuticals, fragrances, nutraceuticals, and personal care and cosmetics. Their biocompatible nature and ability to encapsulate sensitive compounds with precision. 

Microcapsules increase the shelf life of products, and maintain acidity and pH levels, and advanced microencapsulation technology like Greenitio’s can help with custom anti-microbial properties, making them suitable for use in food and cosmetic products. 

Microcapsules in precision delivery systems 

Integrating microcapsules in various sectors has revolutionised precision delivery systems, optimising resource utilisation and minimising waste. By enabling targeted release and controlled dispersion of substances such as fertilisers, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, microcapsules have not only enhanced product efficacy, but they have also mitigated environmental risks, ensuring minimal ecological disruption and promoting sustainable industry practices.

Resurgence of practices involving nature and technology 

Amid efforts to revive rural economies and encourage eco-friendly agricultural methods, the focus on plant-based biopolymers has sparked a rejuvenation in farming practices. These sustainable approaches prioritise cultivating bio-based resources, nurturing biodiversity, and diminishing dependence on fossil fuels.

Additionally, the extensive integration of Biosurfactants has led to significant advantages, particularly in enhancing water quality and curbing environmental pollution. Through the substitution of traditional, synthetic surfactants with biodegradable alternatives, industries have notably minimised the release of hazardous chemicals into water systems. This proactive measure safeguards aquatic ecosystems, ensuring the preservation of delicate marine life.

Positive impact of the UN ban

The UN’s ban has stimulated global awareness and consciousness regarding the pressing need to address plastic pollution and has heightened awareness, catalysing widespread advocacy for sustainable living practices. It has encouraged individuals, businesses, and policymakers to prioritise environmentally friendly alternatives. By addressing the entire lifecycle of plastics and bringing a spotlight on the lesser-known issue of synthetic polymers, this initiative has laid the groundwork for a paradigm shift in human behaviour and industrial practices. 

The ban has helped spur greener and cleaner innovations and practices, bringing in the next generation of materials and concepts. It is also increasing the adoption of solutions such as plant-based biopolymers, biosurfactants, microcapsules, as well as plant-based plastics and fashion, signifying a paradigm shift toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach by companies. 

By leveraging innovation and fostering cross-sector collaborations, we can pave the way for wider adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives and increased innovation.