The concept of 3D printing is not new, but companies that implement the technology in their sustainability efforts now could be better placed for future business, says Antoinette van den Berg, Founder of trend forecaster Future Touch
Antoinette van den Berg
Why should 3D printing be considered in sustainability?
While the environment has been at the forefront of the industry’s sustainability efforts, cosmetics players will be called on to become greener in every layer of their business. In the new economy, the consumer will become more focused on how people and the environment are affected by the sourcing, production and transportation of goods. This means that purchasing decisions will be based on the consumer’s ability to choose how raw materials are sourced, the type of bio-degradable packaging used and local production will take precedence. As a manufacturing-based economy rapidly turns into a service-based one, the internet and increasingly powerful technologies such as 3D printing can help the cosmetics industry to adjust to this demand as parts of the chain are going to be phased out, particularly with regard to the transportation of finished goods.