Since its inception in 1946, Estée Lauder has not only been a trendsetter in the beauty industry but has also been at the forefront of integrating sustainability into its core values. With a rich legacy of creating high-performance beauty products, Estée Lauder has embarked on a journey to merge beauty innovation with conscientious chemistry and environmental responsibility. As the flagship brand of The Estée Lauder Companies, the brand has unveiled a comprehensive sustainability initiative aimed at paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Rooted in Values: Unveiling a Sustainable Vision

Estée Lauder’s commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted in its values and driven by a forward-looking vision. The brand recognizes the critical role it plays in shaping the beauty industry’s impact on the environment and is dedicated to being a positive force for change. By aligning its actions with these values, Estée Lauder aims to touch lives not only through its products but also by making meaningful contributions to the environment.

Ingredient Transparency: Educating and Empowering Consumers

One of the cornerstones of Estée Lauder’s sustainability efforts is ingredient transparency. The brand believes that informed consumers are empowered consumers. To that end, Estée Lauder lists all the ingredients of its products on their respective product pages on the official website. This not only helps customers make informed choices about the products they use but also fosters a culture of transparency and trust.

Additionally, the brand’s Ingredient Glossary is a valuable resource that delves into key high-performance ingredients and their benefits for the skin. By providing this information, Estée Lauder educates its customers about the science behind their products and highlights the positive impact these ingredients can have on skin health.

Packaging Sustainability: Embracing the “5 Rs”

Estée Lauder’s commitment to sustainability extends to its packaging as well. By 2025, the brand aims to ensure that 75-100% of its packaging meets at least one of the “5 Rs”: recyclable, refillable, reusable, recycled, or recoverable. The brand is actively increasing the use of post-consumer recycled material in its packaging by up to 50%. Extraneous cartons and paper are being eliminated from products whenever possible, showcasing Estée Lauder’s dedication to minimizing waste.

Furthermore, the brand is on a path to have all its forest-based fiber cartons certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) by 2025. This step underscores Estée Lauder’s commitment to responsible forestry practices and its recognition of the importance of preserving our planet’s vital resources.

Responsible Sourcing: Nurturing Partnerships and Communities

Estée Lauder’s sustainability journey extends beyond its products to its sourcing practices. The brand sources global ingredients and materials to craft its products and collaborates with a diverse network of suppliers. This approach ensures that ingredients are sourced responsibly, with a keen focus on potential impacts on both people and the environment.

The brand’s dedication to sourcing responsibly is reflected in its continuous efforts to improve and strengthen these practices. Estée Lauder is mindful of the communities in which it operates and strives to create a positive impact while sourcing ingredients that meet the highest standards of quality and ethical considerations.

Energy & Emissions: Pioneering a Renewable Future

In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, Estée Lauder has achieved significant milestones in energy and emissions reduction. In 2020, the brand achieved NetZero carbon emissions and sourced 100% renewable electricity globally for its direct business operations. This achievement reflects Estée Lauder’s commitment to science-based emissions reduction targets and its efforts to lead the way in adopting renewable energy technologies.

To solidify its commitment, Estée Lauder has installed a solar array at its manufacturing and research facilities, harnessing the power of solar energy. Additionally, an agreement for 22 megawatts of wind power has been executed, with the goal of covering over 50% of the brand’s global electricity footprint using renewable energy sources.

Carbon Neutral Shipping: Redefining Delivery’s Impact

Estée Lauder goes the extra mile by offsetting carbon emissions from shipping for every U.S. Home Delivery order placed on its website. This initiative is a testament to the brand’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and making a positive environmental impact. By funding an emission reduction project, Estée Lauder ensures that deliveries made from its U.S. fulfillment center to consumers’ addresses are carbon neutral, contributing to a cleaner and greener future.

A Vision for a More Beautiful Future: Embracing Citizenship

Estée Lauder’s sustainability journey aligns with its commitment to meeting the diverse needs of women of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The brand recognizes that true beauty encompasses more than just skin deep, extending to how products are made, sourced, and delivered. By embracing the principles of sustainability and responsible business practices, Estée Lauder strives to create a brighter and more beautiful future for all.

In Conclusion: An Ongoing Commitment

Estée Lauder’s journey towards sustainability is a testament to its enduring commitment to beauty, responsibility, and progress. By prioritizing ingredient transparency, pursuing packaging sustainability, sourcing responsibly, leading in energy and emissions reduction, and redefining carbon-neutral shipping, the brand exemplifies how a legacy beauty company can be a catalyst for positive change. As Estée Lauder continues its evolution, it stands as an inspiration to the beauty industry and beyond, proving that beauty and sustainability can coexist harmoniously for the betterment of our planet and future generations.