Water: a tangible concern for the cosmetic sector

On 1st July, during the Cosmetic Environment & Safety congress organised by Cosmetic Valley, Marion Serre, Life Cycle Assessment and eco-design project manager at EVEA, took to the stage to speak about a subject that’s both highly practical and deeply strategic: water.

At EVEA, we’ve been working for years at the intersection of cosmetics, environmental responsibility and social issues. When we talk about water, we’re not just referring to an ingredient or a solvent. Water is everywhere. It’s in raw materials, in manufacturing processes, and in the regions where factories are based or where plants are sourced. It shapes logistics, business decisions and local balances.

Water also brings risk. When it becomes scarce, polluted or unevenly distributed, it can jeopardise access to resources. It can disrupt manufacturing, and affect the performance or availability of a product.

During her talk, Marion presented the concept of water footprint, based on the ISO 14046 standard. It’s a useful tool to:

• Map out water-related dependencies and vulnerabilities

• Anticipate future supply constraints

• Support sound decisions about site locations, materials, formulations, and more

This kind of assessment helps companies make stronger, more grounded choices that align with on-the-ground realities. Understanding water better means managing the sustainability of your products and operations more effectively.

Fancy a proper chat about it? At EVEA, we take the time to talk things through. Get in touch—even if it’s just to let the ideas flow.