As the pursuit of sustainability gains momentum, CarbonFree has unveiled endurocal, a groundbreaking mineral produced through a carbon-negative process that sets it apart from any other mineral supplier currently on the market. CarbonFree’s CEO, Martin Keighley, highlights endurocal’s innovative nature, particularly its potential to assist cosmetics and personal care brands in meeting the rising regulatory and consumer pressures to cut carbon emissions.
The Challenge of Scope 3 Emissions
The cosmetics and personal care industries face a significant challenge; Scope 3 emissions, which can constitute up to 90% of a brand’s carbon footprint, are under increasing scrutiny. A recent study from McKinsey & Company underscores this pressing concern.
CarbonFree’s endurocal calcium carbonate (ECC) emerges as a potential solution. Unlike conventional calcium carbonate sourced from mining, endurocal is produced by capturing recycled carbon dioxide from industrial emissions using CarbonFree’s proprietary SkyCycle technology. This process not only results in a minimal carbon footprint but also yields superior properties like increased brightness and performance, making it an appealing choice for formulations within the cosmetics sector.
Key Insights from the Discussion
- What sets endurocal apart from traditional calcium carbonate in cosmetic formulations? Keighley explained that endurocal is created through a reaction involving recycled carbon and calcium chloride. This chloride is produced on-site using hydrochloric acid and calcium derived from unused inert materials. Such a process provides formulators with precise control over particle size and brightness, yielding distinct advantages in cosmetic applications.
- What advantages does endurocal bring to cosmetic products? ECC provides superior whiteness and color compared to traditional Precipitated Calcium Carbonates (PCC) and Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC). This improvement allows manufacturers to lessen reliance on optical brighteners and other whitening agents, enhancing the overall formulation.
- How does endurocal contribute to sustainability efforts, particularly regarding Scope 3 emissions? By incorporating recycled elements into ECC production, formulators can directly decrease their Scope 3 emissions. This innovative process has been verified by respected third-party evaluators as having a negative carbon impact.
- What impact could the adoption of endurocal have on a cosmetics company’s carbon footprint? By merely substituting even a small amount of standard calcium carbonate with ECC, brands can achieve a proportional reduction in carbon emissions to zero for that specific quantity. Traditional calcium carbonate can produce from 0.78 to 1.0 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per ton, whereas endurocal effectively neutralizes this impact.
- Can you explain how the SkyCycle process contributes to endurocal’s zero-carbon status? The SkyCycle process utilizes magnesium and involves several chemical reactions. When carbon dioxide reacts with magnesium hydroxide, it forms magnesium bicarbonate, which subsequently reacts with calcium chloride to create calcium carbonate, or endurocal. This systematic approach turns CO2 waste into a valuable resource, affirming the claim of a negative carbon footprint for the entire operation.
Endurocal demonstrates strong hydrophobic characteristics and oil absorption, enhancing the texture and structure of various formulations. Additionally, its high purity results in increased opacity in the final products. Endurocal contains no crystalline silica and meets pharmaceutical-grade standards, guaranteeing exceptional purity. Its particle size can be finely tuned within the low micron range, minimizing fines or oversized particles.
The Future of Sustainability in Cosmetics
Endurocal is expected to be competitively priced against most existing calcium carbonate options. Moreover, formulators may enjoy additional financial benefits from reduced Scope 3 emissions. Keighley posits that suppliers must actively work to mitigate their emissions in response to evolving consumer demand for sustainable and ethically sourced products. As awareness of the scientific underpinnings of these innovations grows, products like endurocal will likely become more popular among conscious consumers.
While comprehensive feedback from the cosmetics and personal care industries is still pending, prior responses from other sectors have been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding enhancements in both product quality and environmental impact. ECC offers a clear pathway to achieve substantial Scope 3 emission reductions. With further optimization, formulators could potentially replace high-carbon materials like TiO2 with ECC.
The beauty industry is trending toward natural and organically sourced ingredients; however, endurocal’s synthetic production may require strategic messaging to bridge this gap. Despite its simple chemistry, which aligns with naturally occurring substances, the perception of synthesized products could pose a challenge. CarbonFree is currently working alongside point source emitters and significant industrial players, who recognize the potential value in incorporating endurocal into their processes. Anticipated announcements regarding these collaborations are expected in early 2025.
In conclusion, with its innovative production method and capacity to decrease carbon emissions, endurocal emerges as a crucial asset for cosmetics brands dedicated to sustainability and progress.
Source: Cosmeticsdesign.com