In March 2020 Ethical Consumer sent Honesty Cosmetics a request for information about its policies and practices. No response was received and so the company’s website, www.honestycosmetics.co.uk, was searched for publicly available information regarding environmental reporting. The company’s environmental policy was viewed.
The policy stated that Honesty Cosmetics manufactured its own range, ensuring its policies could be upheld. In regard to other brands sold through its website the company stated: “All products offered through the Honesty website are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. We also offer a wide range of complementary products from other companies. Although their individual policies vary, we will only stock vegan products, and only stock products from companies who operate a fixed cut off date policy (where relevant) with regard to animal testing. Items are always selected for their quality and animal/environmentally friendly features. We are increasingly adding items with organic ingredients. We do not however, make any claims that the products we offer are all organic, ‘natural’ or ‘chemical free’.”
“Products are made from quality raw materials. Plant oils and extracts are fully utilised and only natural plant colourings are included. We use no mineral oils or petrochemical based detergents...All products are biodegradable and contain nothing that is harmful to the environment...We try our best to ensure the source or raw materials does not exploit or adversely affect the environment or its people...All bottles are recyclable. Our 200ml bottles and 1000ml bottles are made from HDPE.”
However, as not all of its products were organic it would be expected to discuss the production methods used for its non-organic raw ingredients.
The company had a turnover of less than £10.2m and was striving to offer a number of environmental alternatives and therefore received an exemption in this category, thereby receiving Ethical Consumer's best rating for Environmental Reporting.
Reference:
www.honestycosmetics.co.uk (12 March 2020)