The Origins:
Aesop took its first steps in 1987 when its founder Dennis Paphitis opened a hair salon in Melbourne and began to introduce essential oils in hair products, between design and sustainability. Hence the salon owner began to develop different types of products based on the needs of the scalp of his customers. Success did not take long to arrive.
To date, Aesop features a wide range of vegan products from shampoo and hair conditioner to face, body and hand products to fragrances and candles to household products.
The world of sustainability:
The company has some clear and transparent ethical principles as its pillars: product quality, service excellence, and integrity. Aesop wants to have a strong social and environmental impact, which is why it is committed to supporting various causes related to the environment and social welfare.
First of all, by trying to reduce their impact on the planet and then avoid testing their products or ingredients on animals and not even using animal ingredients such as beeswax, honey, and lanolin.
The people:
Aesop has established a program called the “Ethical Sourcing Programme” which ensures that all suppliers pay attention to the environment and that the working conditions of employees are optimal.
Packaging:
Even the packaging is carefully designed to be functional, with minimal lines and a low environmental impact. Recently Aesop has managed to replace 70% of the plastic used with 97% recycled plastic (PET), juggling between design and sustainability.
In addition, the introduction of screw caps on 500ml hand and body cleansers has allowed them to use 12g less plastic per bottle.
In the same vein, in the Rundle Street store in Australia, the company is experimenting with a “packaging re-use trial”, allowing customers to return empty 200ml bottles, which are then cleaned, sanitized, and refilled.
The brand’s goal? To create fully reusable, recyclable, and compostable packaging by 2030, and this trial represents one of many steps in that direction.
Cleverly designed stores:
Aesop stores are also made with great attention to detail. In fact, the elements inserted try to fit organically into the chosen space. With the intent to find a balance between design and sustainability thanks to the choice of materials and a minimalist and recognizable style.
Acknowledgements:
To date, Aesop has received many approvals and certifications from a variety of organizations including B Corp, Cruelty-Free International, PETA, and Climate Active.
B Corp:
As a certified B Corp company, Aesop must submit to high standards regarding environmental care, transparency and accountability. Over time, the brand has helped build a more sustainable economy by prioritizing social and environmental impact over profits.
B Corp certification is awarded by considering performance in 5 categories: employees, community, environment, customers, and governance. Aesop has demonstrated its focus in these categories through the sustainable design of its stores and products, ethics in ingredient selection, support of local communities, and respect for individuals.
Cruetly-Free Products:
Aesop advocates that all products on the market, including personal and home-care products, should be cruelty-free. In fact, the company has been recognized by the international program against animal testing, Leaping Bunny.
Cruelty-Free International issues the Leaping Bunny certificate and is committed to regular audits to ensure that companies do not test on animals.
PETA:
Aesop also appears on the list of brands certified by the non-profit animal rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
PETA was founded in 1980 to defend and clearly establish the rights of all animals. The organization operates on the principle that animals do not belong to man, who therefore has no right to use them for experiments. All volunteers try to raise awareness among professionals in different fields by promoting a more conscious treatment of animals.
Climate Active:
Aesop’s operations in Australia and New Zealand have also been certified carbon neutral since 2018 by the Australian government’s Climate Active organization.
Aesop Foundation:
The Aesop Foundation was launched in 2017 with the purpose of creating partnerships with various charities especially in supporting literacy.
Also in keeping with community principles, Aesop is committed to creating an active and engaged company culture. Initiatives to support employees include a comprehensive parental leave policy, a health and wellbeing program and workplace flexibility.
In addition, in order to also support the communities where Aesop has a presence, the company encourages its staff to devote at least 1% of their time to volunteering in local organizations.
