With a global movement towards businesses being eco-friendly and sustainable, Anita Quade chats to skincare leaders about how small steps can make a big difference.
Danne Montague-King, Founder at DMK
Tell us about your go green initiatives for 2023.
“For 2023, DMK is continuing its green mission by continuing to make changes to our existing packaging. We launched our DMK MD range last year which utilised PCR plastics and recycled packaging materials.
After investigating all the options, we chose this path as being the most impactful way a small company like DMK can have in reducing our carbon footprint. The reason for this is that without customers using and demanding PCR plastics, recycling of plastics will not grow and the amount of plastics sent to landfills or being dropped in our oceans will only continue to grow. Although the cost of PCR plastics is higher and availability is limited, DMK is committed to expanding our use of these materials as we continue to research feasibility of plant based and biodegradable plastics. Unlike mass market brands, DMK is somewhat at the mercy of the container manufacturers. As consumers begin to demand greener packaging, availability across the industry will become better. Besides PCR materials, we are also looking into options for reusable containers. This could reduce overall packaging but requires consumer acceptance. This has become a huge trend for the younger generations which is extremely exciting,
but unfortunately most of our clients are aged 40 plus and they still desire prestige packaging. We are looking for alternatives that can appease both.”
Why is it so important to your brand/company?
“As a skincare company, we know that environmental stressors have a huge impact on skin health. It only makes sense that we should want to do our part in minimising our contribution. We are also the stewards of our planet for the next generations. Even though we sell products that focus on improving individual’s appearance, we are not vainglorious enough to ignore
the importance of trying to save the planet we inherited. We will continue to do our part by reducing overall packaging and utilising packaging materials that reduce our overall impact on the environment.”
How difficult has it been to make small changes to make a big difference?
“Implementing even small changes can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to shifting established practices in favour of more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as the use of PCR and other recyclable materials. Adapting to such changes may require significant adjustments to processes, supply chains, and ultimately, the bottom line. As a responsible corporate entity, it is our duty to engage in transparent and proactive dialogue with our stakeholders to communicate the necessity and rationale behind these changes. This enables us to make informed and sustainable choices that reflect our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and creating a more sustainable future.”
Tell us a stand-out moment on your “going green” journey.
“I think the biggest surprise was learning how complex the issue really is. Whereas aluminum is the most recycled, its functionality is limited as is the supply. What is the environmental impact of mining additional aluminum ores.
Glass has similar functionality limitations being rigid. There are safety concerns with breakage and there is an increased carbon footprint from shipping these heavier containers internationally. The bottom line is that there are many factors to consider and not just one simple answer. DMK is committed to becoming greener and this is an ongoing journey. We will continue to adjust our strategy as new options become available.
One particularly noteworthy moment in our journey towards sustainability was the launch of our DMK MD product line for Advanced Paramedical Skin Revision. In response to growing concerns about our environmental impact, we made a conscious effort to incorporate sustainable packaging materials, including secondary boxes and containers made of at least 50% PCR, as well as fully recyclable cardboards. Our commitment to sustainability has continued to evolve, and this year we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding our plan to introduce refillable containers, which we anticipate will significantly reduce our environmental footprint. These efforts are a testament to our unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility and our ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable future.”
“As a skincare company, we know that environmental stressors have a huge impact on skin health. It only makes sense that we should want to do our part in minimising our contribution.”
What is your goal in the next five years in this space and how do you see your company making a difference?
“As a forward-thinking company, our goal for the next five years is to continue our journey towards environmental sustainability by implementing a number of ambitious targets. Our overarching aim is to significantly reduce our environmental impact by making 50% of our product line available in refillable containers, thereby reducing our overall packaging waste. In addition, we are committed to reducing our reliance on printed materials by 30%, while working to ensure that the remainder of our packaging is made from 100% PCR material, wherever possible. By pursuing these targets, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to the wider sustainability conversation and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to creating a more sustainable future for all.”
Sharon Blain, Founder at Big Towel Company
Tell us about your go green initiatives for 2023.
“Since the launch of Big Towel Company 13 years ago, we have been at the forefront of sustainability. We have changed how the hair and beauty industry thinks about using traditional towels by offering 100% eco- friendly, disposable products such as salon towels, capes, headbands, facial wipes, and treatment gowns.
With awareness of the rising cost of electricity, the industry has also realised that eco-towels are not only sustainable, but also a cost-effective alternative to skyrocketing utility costs. The transition to single use towels from cotton towels, also known as eco-towels, is growing in popularity, and today, salons are embracing the environmental benefits.
With our products being 100% eco-friendly, we wanted to complete the full circle and go plastic free in our packaging. This is our main green initiative in 2023. Packaging has made huge progress since the days when almost everything was shrink- wrapped in plastic. We needed a sustainable solution that would keep our products compact, aesthetically pleasing, and not pass on increased material costs to the consumer.
We stand proud that, to date, 70% of our product packaging is 100% sustainable by using sustainable material and packaging our products in a more forward-thinking and convenient way.”
Why is being eco-friendly so important to your brand/company?
“Big Towel Company lives and breathes sustainability and is the brainchild of Sharon Blain, an award-winning global hair icon and salon owner for more than 40 years.
While running two successful salons, the rising laundry costs and daily management of towels were major issues. There was a gap in the market to address these concerns and Sharon saw an amazing opportunity for single-use disposable towels. The savings on wages, electricity, water and the fact that it was environmentally friendly ticked all the boxes and made it a no-brainer for forward thinking salons. With environmental concerns looming, there was something of a revolution happening within the hair and beauty industry.
Today, disposable environmental products are more in demand than ever before. Using sustainable products is not just for green companies; salons are becoming increasingly aware of their impact on the environment and society.
The core mission for Big Towel Company is to provide innovative, high quality eco-products to change the way salons do business by helping to complete the perfect client experience while reducing overheads and benefiting the environment. Businesses have seen generous savings of up to 43% on electricity consumption by not washing and drying their towels and are fast recognising that eco-towels are towels of the future.”
How difficult has it been to make small changes to make a big difference?
“Any step forward, no matter how small, makes a huge difference in the ever-evolving world of sustainability, and all the effort and dedication to make it happen is worth the effort.
Over the years, the industry was understandably cautious about switching from traditional cotton towels. Education of the benefits of sustainability and for salons to develop a cost-effective business approach to making the switch was key. We have seen a major shift from traditional cotton towels to disposable options during the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses needed to reconsider their health and hygiene practices for their clients. Offering fresh, clean, and personalised disposable towels helps to limit cross- contamination, especially for discerning clients who expect nothing less from a total salon experience and service.
Over the last 12 months we wanted to take our green footprint one step further and offer even more with our much- loved disposable material. This year we launched our new premium material for our best-selling disposable towel that is thicker, even more absorbent and incredibly soft to touch. Over the years, we have perfected this one-of-a-kind material that is unlike any other disposable towel in the market.
You wouldn’t believe that a disposable product could feel so luxurious, as well as being biodegradable, free of toxins and plastics, hygienic, clean and cost effective. We stand proud and will continue to be at the forefront of eco-salon products that are clean, chic and green!”
“Any step forward, no matter how small, makes a huge difference in the ever-evolving world of sustainability, and all the effort and dedication to make it happen is worth the effort.”
Tell us a stand-out moment on your “going green” journey?
“Locally manufacturing our popular Beauty Headbands here in Australia was an a-ha moment for us. Being able to manufacture part of our products locally is a huge honour and we are very proud to be an Australian company.
This is just the beginning for Big Towel Company and our sustainable journey. We look forward to expanding to new markets and keeping with the latest sustainable trends to develop ground-breaking products and materials that will help businesses and the planet.”
This article originally appeared in the May-June 2023 print issue of Professional Beauty.
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