Introduction to Clinique

Clinique, a renowned leader in the beauty industry, has long been synonymous with dermatologist-developed skincare and makeup solutions. Founded in 1968, Clinique has consistently prioritized innovation, efficacy, and sustainability in its products and practices.

Estée Lauder

It is a subsidiary of the Estée Lauder Companies. As of 2019, Clinique has over 22,000 customer consultants worldwide

Allergy Tested. 100% Fragrance Free

Criteria

Carbon Footprint, High

Clinique, as a makeup company, is actively addressing its carbon footprint across all three levels outlined in the sustainability framework.

At the first level, which includes emissions produced directly by the company, Clinique is likely implementing measures to reduce carbon emissions produced directly by its operations, such as through vehicles and installations. This may involve initiatives to lower energy consumption, transition to renewable energy sources, and improve overall operational efficiency to minimize CO2 emissions.

At the second level, which involves emissions indirectly generated, Clinique is likely focusing on reducing indirect emissions associated with electricity, steam, heating, and cooling. Clinique may be investing in energy-efficient technologies, optimizing heating and cooling systems, and adopting sustainable practices to lower its environmental impact in these areas.

At the third level, which includes emissions generated by suppliers, Clinique is likely working with suppliers to address carbon emissions related to transport, distribution, employee travel, end-of-life treatment of products sold, and waste management. Collaborating with suppliers to enhance sustainability practices throughout the supply chain can help reduce the overall carbon footprint associated with Clinique’s products.

Ecological Impact, High

Clinique, as a makeup company, plays a significant role in influencing the planet’s ecological systems through its products and practices. By considering key aspects like biodegradable waste materials and sustainable fabric treatments, we can evaluate Clinique’s ecological impact: Biodegradable Waste Materials: Clinique’s approach to using biodegradable waste materials in its products and packaging can significantly reduce environmental impact. By prioritizing biodegradability, Clinique contributes to minimizing waste accumulation and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Dyeing and Laundering Fabrics without Releasing Toxic Substances: Clinique’s commitment to dyeing and laundering fabrics without releasing toxic substances is crucial for environmental protection.

By ensuring that their processes are free from harmful chemicals, Clinique helps preserve ecosystems and prevents pollution of water sources.

Energy Consumption, High

Clinique is actively engaged in addressing energy consumption through various strategies aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability. By examining Clinique’s actions on energy usage and power sources, we can gain insights into their commitment to energy efficiency:

Electricity Consumption Reduction Plans: Clinique likely implements comprehensive plans to reduce electricity consumption across its operations. This may involve optimizing lighting systems, HVAC efficiency, and overall energy management practices to minimize energy usage. Purchase of Clean Energy: Clinique may be investing in clean energy sources such as solar or wind power to power its facilities. By transitioning to renewable energy sources, Clinique can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.

Freight Density, Medium

Clinique can enhance its sustainability efforts by optimizing the forms and volume used for shipments and transport of products. By focusing on freight density optimization, Clinique can reduce its environmental impact associated with transportation. By implementing strategies to optimize freight density, Clinique can achieve benefits such as: Reduced carbon emissions from transportation, Lower transportation costs through efficient space utilization and Minimized environmental footprint associated with shipping and distribution processes.

Recycling Rates, High

Clinique’s commitment to sustainability extends to its recycling practices, which play a crucial role in preserving the environment and preventing pollution and waste. By evaluating the recycling rates of Clinique’s packaging materials and products, we can assess the brand’s effectiveness in promoting recycling and reducing its environmental footprint.

Clinique’s approach to recycling rates include: Implementing responsible packaging initiatives to enhance recyclability, Encouraging consumers to recycle packaging through educational campaigns, Collaborating with recycling facilities to ensure proper disposal and recycling of materials, Monitoring and reporting on recycling rates to track progress and improve sustainability efforts over time.

Saving Levels, Medium

Clinique focuses on making continuous improvements in various aspects to enhance its environmental performance and reduce its carbon footprint. By evaluating the savings levels achieved by Clinique over time, we can gain insights into the brand’s progress in sustainability efforts: Reduction in Carbon Emissions: Clinique may have implemented strategies to reduce carbon emissions by a certain percentage over specific periods. For example, achieving a 10% reduction in carbon emissions over one year demonstrates the brand’s commitment to mitigating its environmental impact.

Specific Product Monitoring, High

Clinique focuses on specific product monitoring to enhance sustainability practices and improve its environmental impact. By tracking how products are produced, used, and disposed of, Clinique can gain valuable insights into its sustainability performance and make informed decisions to drive continuous improvement:

  • Tracking Product Lifecycle: Clinique likely monitors the entire lifecycle of its products, from production to disposal. By tracking factors like materials used, energy consumption during manufacturing, and end-of-life treatment, Clinique can assess the environmental footprint of each product.
  • Resale and Recycling Tracking: Clinique may track how often its products are resold or recycled by consumers. This data provides valuable information on the circularity of products and the effectiveness of recycling initiatives.
  • Sustainability Impact Measurement: Through indicators and metrics, Clinique can measure the true sustainability impact of its products. This includes assessing factors like carbon footprint, waste generation, water usage, and recyclability to quantify the environmental performance of each product.
  • Consumer Communication and Improvement: The information gathered from specific product monitoring is not only shared with consumers to enhance transparency but also used internally to drive continuous improvement in sustainability practices. By analyzing data on product usage and disposal, Clinique can identify areas for optimization and innovation.
Supply Chain Waste, High

Clinique, demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability across its value chain, focusing on reducing waste and enhancing environmental practices: Packaging Sustainability: Clinique has set ambitious goals for packaging sustainability, aiming for 75-100% recyclable, refillable, reusable, or recycled packaging by 2025. Additionally, the company targets a 25% or more use of post-consumer recycled material in packaging by the same year.

Clinique’s holistic approach to sustainability not only focuses on reducing waste in its supply chain but also emphasizes community engagement, environmental stewardship, and responsible resource management.

Sustainability Scorecards, High

Clinique demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through various initiatives and practices that are assessed through sustainability scorecards: Environmental Practices: Clinique’s sustainability scorecards likely evaluate the brand’s environmental practices, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and water conservation. By assessing these factors, Clinique can identify areas for improvement to enhance its environmental performance.

Clinique’s engagement with sustainability scorecards reflects its dedication to environmental responsibility, transparency, and continuous improvement in aligning business practices with sustainable principles within the makeup industry.

Water Management, Medium

To minimize water usage, Clinique has implemented water-saving measures across its facilities, including the upgrade of water softening systems to reduce water consumption significantly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Clinique’s steadfast commitment to sustainability underscores its role as a responsible leader in the cosmetics industry. Through a combination of innovative products and eco-conscious initiatives, Clinique not only delivers exceptional makeup solutions but also strives to minimize its environmental footprint and promote social well-being.

By embracing sustainable practices, Clinique not only meets the needs of today’s consumers but also ensures a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come. As Clinique continues to prioritize sustainability alongside efficacy and safety, it remains a beacon of integrity and excellence in the beauty landscape.

Related to other brands

Number of criteria met by each brand:

ESCP Business School Team

Research developed by five curious international ESCP Business School students who have worked together to successfully complete their consulting project. They analysed four brands in four different categories -20 brands: sneakers, pod coffee, jeans, makeup, and chocolate, according to 10 environmental criteria.

Sources