Sustainability in the cosmetic industry value chain

Abstract

This thesis focuses on examining the sustainability of cosmetic industry value chains. Sustainability plays an important role in the steady growth of the cosmetic industry with circular economy as a major driver. Due to lack of non-renewable resources, circular economy offers solutions by circulating products and services with an idea of nature to nature consumption. The subject is provided by Oulu University of Applied Sciences. The aim is to provide broader information about sustainability in the cosmetic industry value chains. It answers how to evaluate sustainability in a cosmetic company and what drives the industry towards sustainability. The theoretical background is based on variety of online publications and books and the qualitative research parts adds concrete information to this theory base. The qualitative research is conducted as a themed interview to a Finnish cosmetic pioneer. The interview is based on themes concerning sustainability, circular economy and evaluating them in a business. The thesis will allow companies to understand how to evaluate sustainability in all levels of their value chain in environmental, economic and social dimensions. This results to finding cost-effective sustainable solutions and developing the value chain with innovative solutions.