SOFW Journal | Botanical oils, plant extracts and natural pigments have become mainstream, with EU imports of vegetable and essential oils reaching 470,000 tons (€2.2 billion) in 2023. This growing reliance is fragile: Droughts, shifting climate zones, soil degradation and pollinator decline are making supply more volatile and costly.
Regulation is raising the stakes. Frameworks such as CSRD, ESRS, SBTN and TNFD now require disclosure across all major drivers of nature loss, while initiatives like EcoBeautyScore make environmental performance visible to consumers. Packaging has also moved into focus, both as a signal of consumer expectations and a source of unintended impact as brands transition toward bio-based and circular materials.
According to Quantis and BCG analysis, nature-related risks alone could threaten 7–15% of operating profit, underscoring the urgency for companies to rethink how they source, produce and report.
Natalia Trunova, Cosmetics, Personal Care & Pharmaceuticals Lead at Quantis Germany, shares her insights on why cosmetics companies must embed nature in their business strategies.
