Packaging
The brand reports that it is “progressively adopting packaging made with recyclable materials” and minimizing waste. They’ve set targets for post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic content – aiming for 10% PCR in 50% of products by 2025, and 30% in 50% of products by 2030. These goals indicate a shift towards recycled plastics in packaging, though current adoption appears limited to select items.
Notably, KIKO introduced eco-designed collections: the past Green Me line featured biodegradable and recyclable packaging. However, outside of these special collections, most KIKO products still use conventional plastic or glass packaging without refill options. Core items (lipsticks, mascaras, palettes) come in sleek designs but are generally not recyclable through curbside programs due to mixed materials or small components.
Ingredient Sustainability
Over 35% of ingredients in new 2024 formulations met these criteria, and KIKO plans to exceed 60% by 2030. This indicates a commitment to greener chemistry moving forward. In practice, KIKO products present a mix of natural and synthetic materials.
A long-wear foundation formula illustrates KIKO’s reliance on synthetic components. Its ingredient list starts with typical base ingredients like water and silicones (e.g. Dimethicone) and volatile solvents (Isododecane). Their Smart Fusion Lipstick blends natural oils with synthetic stabilizers. It contains vegetable oils/waxes like Argan Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil for nourishment, and even a Litchi fruit extract (likely for marketing antioxidant claims). However, the structural base is primarily petroleum-derived.
Overall, KIKO’s ingredient sustainability is mixed. The brand has many conventional formulations (especially in legacy products and color cosmetics) containing non-renewable silicones, plastics, and unsustainably sourced commodity ingredients (like palm oil derivatives without clear RSPO status, and mica without an ethical sourcing claim). At the same time, KIKO is improving with newer products that use biodegradable, natural-origin ingredients and upcycled materials.
Energy & Carbon Footprint
KIKO emphasizes energy efficiency and logistics improvements. The brand mentions adopting energy-efficient technologies and processes to reduce emissions. KIKO’s Sustainability Report (2023) details that the company is monitoring its Scope 3 emissions – including those from product manufacturing and distribution – which is crucial for a retail brand.
Waste Management
Internally, the company promotes the “reduction, reuse and recycling of materials throughout our supply chain”. For retail operations, KIKO has initiatives to reduce waste in stores and offices – for instance, by minimizing single-use plastics and improving recycling in their shops (e.g., paper recycling, using digital tools to cut paper waste, etc.). The mention of “plastic-free e-commerce” shipping materials indicates a pivot away from bubble wrap or plastic fillers towards recyclable paper packaging, which is a positive step to reduce packaging waste going to customers.
However, when it comes to product lifecycle waste, KIKO does not yet have a robust circular program. No refill or reuse programs are offered for its products – once a lipstick or compact is used up, the packaging is typically discarded by the consumer.
Business Model
KIKO Milano’s business model leans toward fast-paced beauty retail, which poses challenges for sustainability. The brand offers a vast array of products and frequently releases limited-edition collections (often seasonally or monthly) to capture trends.
This strategy encourages continuous consumption and product turnover.
