Image Skillnet launches sustainability strategy for hair and beauty industry

Image Skillnet and the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (Habic) have launched a sustainability strategy for the hair and beauty industry at the annual Salon Sessions conference, which took place at The Johnstown Estate Hotel & Spa in Enfield, Co Meath on 9 October. 

The Sustainability Strategy and Action Framework has been developed in collaboration with sustainability experts Change by Degrees, which partners with businesses and organisations to deliver sustainable solutions that aim to help them increase their value, reduce costs, maximise employee satisfaction and meet their regulatory requirements. 

According to the strategy, while the hair and beauty industry uses large amounts of energy, water, plastic and chemicals, reducing consumption is possible, and will benefit people, the planet and the bottom line. 

In the development of the new strategy, an audit was carried out across the sector which included 10,186 hair and beauty salons across Ireland. It noted that running hot water is typically the most energy-intensive and wasteful activity in the salon, with two million litres used each week to wash towels. 

Based on three main pillars, which are reducing energy waste, managing water sustainability and reducing waste, the Sustainability Strategy and Action Framework aims to help these hair and beauty businesses on their sustainability journey. Among its features are an action checklist to help them take action and make progress, along with information on the range of sustainability grants available. 

It also includes a resource pack with advice on areas such as recycling and bins, waste and recycling labels, and composting. 

Switching from incandescent bulbs to LEDs, washing towels at a lower temperature and banning single use plastic items are among the small, cost-effective changes suggested to help businesses reduce their waste. Additional actions include educating employees and clients on best practices for sustainability. 

“This is a really positive opportunity for the sector,” said Margaret O’Rourke Doherty, CEO of Habic. “We have taken the time to understand the environmental impact of salons across Ireland and we have learnt a great deal. In response to this information, we have been able to develop a clear and attainable roadmap for salon owners in terms of how they can make significant advances in the operation of more sustainable businesses. 

“It is particularly gratifying that by putting the effort in and adopting the sustainable practices suggested in our Sustainability Strategy and Action Framework, salons will make real and genuine savings for their businesses.”