Adorn Cosmetics Sustainability Profile

The Adorn Cosmetics Mission is simple; create beauty that's kinder for animals, people, and the planet. We empower customers to reuse more and re-buy less with our sustainable beauty refills.

Adorn Cosmetics: A Legacy of Sustainable Beauty

Since its inception in 2008, Adorn Cosmetics has been at the forefront of a revolution in the beauty industry, led by the visionary founder Briony Kennedy. Her mission? To minimise the beauty industry's impact on our planet by innovating with sustainability and ethical practices at every turn. Over the past 15 years, Adorn has meticulously crafted a brand that champions a kinder, more planet-friendly approach to beauty. Here’s how we do it.

The Six Pillars of Our Sustainable Approach

At Adorn, our commitment to sustainability spans six critical areas: Production, Product, People, AND (Advancement, Necessity, Development), Delivery, and Disposal. This holistic approach ensures that every decision we make is guided by the principle of creating beautiful cosmetics with minimal impact on our planet.

1. Production
From day one, Adorn has championed the concept of ‘prevention rather than cure.’ We believe that recycling should not be the only solution. Instead, our goal is to avoid waste altogether. By adopting small batch production, we ensure that products are created in targeted quantities, minimising waste and preventing unsold stock from ending up in landfills. Our commitment to local manufacturing further reduces environmental impact and supports local communities.

2. Product
Adorn has been a pioneer in the beauty industry with innovations like refillable makeup and skincare. Since 2009, our refillable products have encouraged the reuse of packaging, reducing the need for new materials. In 2011, we introduced skincare refills, which not only require less padding and materials for delivery but also significantly cut down on waste. Our robust, refillable packaging is designed to last, supporting multiple uses over time.

3. People
We are deeply committed to ethical practices and ensuring that every person involved in our supply chain is treated with fairness and respect. This ethical commitment is reflected in our manufacturing practices and our dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for our team.

4. AND (Advancement, Necessity, Development)
Our approach focuses on advancing sustainable practices, ensuring that every product we develop meets our rigorous standards for necessity and environmental impact. By encouraging the reuse of products and innovating in product development, we continuously refine our practices to align with our sustainability goals.

5. Delivery
Our environmental consciousness extends to our delivery processes. We use biodegradable plastic postal bags and recycled paper gift wrap, eliminating the need for traditional boxes. This approach not only reduces packaging waste but also optimises delivery efficiency by minimising the space our parcels occupy in the delivery network, which in turn reduces fuel consumption.

6. Disposal
For products that cannot be refilled, we offer the Adorner Recycle Program in collaboration with Terracycle. This initiative allows our customers to return used products for recycling, ensuring that even the end-of-life phase of our products is handled in an environmentally responsible manner.

Leading with Innovation and Responsibility

Adorn Cosmetics has made a significant impact with our pioneering efforts. We were the first Australian cosmetics brand to offer makeup and skincare samples for sale, reducing the likelihood of incorrect purchases and the associated waste. Our build-your-own product options allow customers to select shades and personalise their purchases, reducing excess and preventing waste.

While we have chosen to focus on online retail, avoiding the environmental impact of in-store sales, we have also embraced the challenge of limiting excess stock and unnecessary transportation. By selling directly to our customers, we ensure that every product is used and valued, further reducing waste.

A Legacy of Commitment

These meaningful steps, taken over the past 15 years, form the backbone of the Adorn Cosmetics brand. Our journey is a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating beautiful cosmetics while preserving the planet. As we continue to innovate and refine our practices, we remain committed to leading the beauty industry toward a more sustainable and ethical future.
At Adorn Cosmetics, every decision is a step towards a greener, more beautiful world. Join us on this journey, and together, let’s redefine beauty with a conscience.