The European Commission has warned that current progress is not enough to meet the objectives of the zero pollution plan set for 2030 and has urged Member States to intensify the application of current regulations and adopt additional measures immediately
Although in recent years improvements have been registered in areas such as air quality or the reduction of certain industrial emissions, Brussels considers that the pace of implementation remains uneven between countries and that, if the current trend continues, the established commitments will not be met.
A regulatory context with transversal impact
From the Commission it is underlined that the European Union has recently reinforced key legislation related to air quality, water management, industrial emissions and the protection of ecosystems. To these measures are added new initiatives in development linked to water resilience, the bioeconomy and the reduction of persistent chemical substances in the environment
Among the focal points are the so-called PFAS, highly persistent compounds whose presence is a concern both for their environmental impact and for their possible effects on health. The review of their use is part of a broader approach that seeks to structurally reduce the population's exposure to contaminants.
What are the implications for the cosmetic industry?
This hardening of the regulatory framework has a clear reading for the cosmetic industry. Environmental pollution is not only a matter of environmental policy, but a factor that directly affects skin health and the increase in dermatological conditions, an aspect increasingly present in scientific and regulatory discourse
Furthermore, the Commission warns that a lack of action could translate, in the long term, into very high social and health costs, reinforcing the need for productive sectors to assume an active role in reducing their environmental impact
For beauty companies, this scenario implies:
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greater inquiry and knowledge about ingredients and processes,
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growing requirements and demands regarding safety and traceability,
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and an additional pressure to accelerate reformulation and responsible innovation.
Sustainability as a strategic axis
The wake-up call from Brussels consolidates an already visible trend in the sector: sustainability ceases to be a differentiating element to become a structural requirement. Anticipating regulatory changes, adapting production processes, and aligning strategies with European environmental criteria will be key to maintaining competitiveness in the market. Zero-pollution objectives will mark the political agenda of the European Union in the coming years and will directly condition the development and positioning of the cosmetic industry in Europe