Gourmet Body Treats, based in Austin Texas, said it would switch to sustainable ingredients for all its cosmetic products and packaging by early next year.
A move towards sustainability is not unique within the cosmetics industry, however a pledge to become fully sustainable, using only sustainable ingredients in both products and packaging, may be something of an industry first.
The company, created in 2000, currently sells a range of skin care, body care and color cosmetics that use only vegan ingredients.
According to the company, its products are free from any ingredient derived from animals and animal products, a category which the company interprets to exclude all insect products (no honey or beeswax) and algae and algal derivatives.
Furthermore, since its inception the company has focused on being ecologically and socially responsible "constantly striving to make exceptional high quality products that leave no harmful footprints on the earth".
The announcement comes at a time when the natural and organic cosmetics products market is booming and Organic Monitor forecast the global market will soon surpass $7 billion.
Within this saturated market, companies are developing novel strategies in order to differentiate their products, and moves towards organic certification, sustainability or carbon neutrality can make the all-important difference.
In addition, consumer awareness on all things environmental is putting pressure on businesses in a wide range of industries to go green.
Earlier this year The Body Shop announced its sourcing of sustainable palm oil, which it now uses to produce its full range of soaps.
Furthermore, the company have pledged to become carbon neutral by 2010, a move that is becoming a significant trend in the manufacturing industry in general.
