Coty’s scientists have worked alongside LanzaTech and production partners over the past two years to develop a high-purity sustainable ethanol that is suitable for use in fragrances. Based on this efforts, Coty intends to incorporate carbon-captured ethanol into its fragrance manufacturing process, with the goal of having the majority of its fragrance portfolio using ethanol sourced from carbon-capture by 2023.
Near-zero water consumption
Ethanol is a core ingredient in fragrance products, enabling the efficient dispersion of the scent. As most other fragrance producers, Coty uses ethanol sourced from a range of natural raw materials - including sugar cane and sugar beet, which require farm land, water and fertilizers.
The use of a new generation of sustainable ethanol produced from carbon-capture needs near-zero water consumption and reduces the requirement for agricultural land. Working with the independent sustainability consultancy Quantis, Coty has conducted a screening life cycle assessment which shows a significantly reduced overall environment impact.
Carbon recycling
To produce this new generation sustainable ethanol, LanzaTech captures carbon from different emission sources (industry, solid organic waste) or even in ambient air, through an electrolysis process. The collected CO2 is then cleaned-up before being transformed into ethanol through fermentation.
“Single use carbon must be a thing of the past and this project exemplifies our vision of a CarbonSmart future where consumers are able to choose products made from recycled carbon,” said Jennifer Holmgren, Chief Executive Officer of LanzaTech.
The partnership with LanzaTech is an important step for Coty as it continues its journey to becoming a more circular business. The company’s ‘Beauty That Lasts’ strategy sets out a range of time-bound targets, including a 30% reduction in absolute CO2 emissions by 2030.
“Ethanol is the number one ingredient purchased for the fragrance category and over time this partnership with LanzaTech will significantly reduce the environmental impact of our products. It’s not only the right thing to do, but it makes commercial sense too - with today’s consumer rightly demanding that their favourite brands share their commitment to sustainability,” commented Sue Y. Nabi, Chief Executive Officer of Coty.
Carbon recycling is making significant progress and is emerging as an environmentally attractive alternative to carbon from agricultural sources. Late last year, LanzaTech, Total and L’Oréal announced the production of the first plastic cosmetic bottle produced with industrial carbon emissions.
