May 7th Socio-environmental projects as an opportunity for the cosmetics industry

Currently, issues such as healthy eating, sustainability and conscious consumption are on the rise, which is why various sectors of the industry are increasingly being questioned, including beauty. Concern about the composition of products we use daily and the impact they have on health and the environment has generated an ever-increasing demand for natural cosmetics.

Natural cosmetics are capable of delivering the same results as a conventional product, but without the risk of undesirable reactions caused by artificial substances that are potentially toxic to our bodies. Furthermore, while synthetic cosmetics are composed of several substances that are harmful to the environment, many of which are derived from petroleum, natural cosmetics are biodegradable and free of components that have a major environmental impact.

In order to develop natural product lines, beauty companies invest in plant-derived ingredients such as vegetable oils, natural pigments and odoriferous raw materials, the latter being particularly interesting for creation in perfumery. And it is in this context that we see the potential beneficial relationship between Socio-Environmental Projects developed in forest areas and the cosmetics industry.

Brazil is the country with the greatest biodiversity in the world. There are more than 116,000 animal species and more than 46,000 plant species known in the country, spread across six terrestrial biomes and three large marine ecosystems. This abundant variety of life is home to more than 20% of the world's total species, found on land and in water. Brazil's rich biodiversity is a source of resources for the country, not only for the ecosystem services it provides, but also for the opportunities represented by its conservation, sustainable use and genetic heritage.

The Brazilian genetic heritage is found in organisms that occur naturally in Brazil, that is, in native living beings or those that have acquired specific characteristics in the national territory. Accessing genetic heritage means, for example, using the information contained in samples of plants, animals, microorganisms or substances derived from them to study what they are made of, test what they are used for or to develop marketable products or processes, such as medicines, perfumes and cosmetics. We are talking about a rich and vast universe of genetic assets to be explored.

Supporting a certified Socio-Environmental Project in a forest area is investing in an environment that is extremely rich in biodiversity, culture and natural raw materials. At the same time, it is adding value to the product and promoting sustainable production techniques, improving the quality of life of several families and valuing the conservation of our planet's natural resources.

The socio-environmental projects promoted by Canopée are designed and conducted in such a way as to show that it is possible to have the forest as a partner and not as a competitor or a challenge to be overcome. When we talk about forest areas, we are talking about an environmental powerhouse of socio-biodiversity. We value investments that lead to the development of technologies that dialogue with traditional and scientific knowledge, fostering initiatives based on sustainable production and the guarantee of the territorial rights of communities.

It is extremely important that, through a sustainable development model that promotes income, we balance our coexistence with one of our greatest active assets. Our commitment is to strengthen biodiversity conservation, reduce deforestation and improve the livelihoods of communities.