Cargill Beauty steps sustainability forward: what makes its new Red Seaweed Promise different?

28-Feb-2019 - Last updated on 28-Feb-2019 at 09:11 GMT

Cargill, which in the last few years has expanded its offering to include supplying ingredients to the personal care industry, has launched its ‘Red Seaweed Promise’ as a way of asserting the sustainable nature of its sourcing practices around red seaweed.

The new promise, which is supported by independent sustainability consultancy Proforest, addresses specific sustainability challenges around seaweed, according to Cargill.

Red seaweed is the raw material needed to produce carrageenan, a texturizer used in various applications such as dairy, confectionery and personal care products.

We asked Cargill Beauty’s global marketing director, Stéphane Lacoutiere what makes this new Red Seaweed Promise different from certifications for sustainability that already exist in the industry, and why Cargill thinks it’s necessary now.

How is the new promise different to already existing eco labels around sourcing with respect and biodiversity?

The Red Seaweed Promise is unique in meeting the diverse needs, challenges and demands of both its customers and red seaweed producers globally.

It is specifically tailored to red seaweed supply chains across the global, in that sense it is more tailored to red seaweed supply chains than the current MSC seaweed certification targeting edible seaweed

Cargill continues to assess all existing certifications schemes and programs covering red seaweed, to see how they can in the future meet the challenges and demands we and our partners have identified in the regions where we source red seaweed.

Do you think consumers/customers may be confused by the number of different programmes in this area already? How do you think Cargill can avoid any confusion?

Cargill continues to engage with all stakeholders promoting industry wide standards and activities in the area of red seaweed sustainability.

Our aim with the program is to aid this process and Cargill continually connects with other through our global trade association Marinalg on this issue. Cargill is taking a leading position which is appreciated by PC customers.

Any other thoughts around sustainability for personal care applications?

In addition to be extracted from Red Seaweed, those sustainably sourced Carrageenans are 100% derived-natural, Cosmos-approved and biodegradable texturizers leading to a wide variety of textures in many applications such as Skincare, Oral Care, Hair Styling being a real alternative to petro-based polymers.