Zerra and Co.
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The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
overview
about
Zerra and Co. is a small, woman owned business that produces low-waste makeup and skincare products with emphasis on reducing single-use plastic waste. Highlights
• Sustainable packaging
• Carbon neutral shipping
• RSPO certified palm oil and derivatives
• Woman-owned business
sustainability
details:
Packaging
Zerra and Co.'s packaging is made mostly from glass and aluminum (both forever recyclables) or paperboard and bamboo. There are some exceptions, including plastic reducers or lid linings, but the brand has made the states goal of becoming fully plastic free and is working toward realizing this. Shipping packaging is 100% plastic free and made from exclusively recycled paper, making it fully compostable and recyclable. This includes minor elements like tape.
Material Sustainability
Zerra and Co. sources much of their ingredients from low-impact crops, with some exceptions. Polysorbate 80 is present in some formulations, which is a petroleum-based chemical emulsifier that carries notable sustainability concerns. Phenoxyethanol is also present, which is a petroleum-based synthetic preservative that is not biodegradable. Phenoxyenthanol is best replaced by environmentally freindlier alternatives like potassium sorbate. The sourcing details of ingredients like algae extract or witch hazel are not specified and therefore could be sourced unsustainably.
Zerra and Co. does use palm oil derivatives in many formulations, including gyceryl stearate, but these are sourced sustainably from RSPO certified suppliers.
Energy Use and Footprint
Zerra and Co. ships completely carbon neutral. However, there is little available information regarding energy use or emissions reductions across the rest of the supply chain.
Waste Management
There is little information available regarding waste management and mitigation strategies in production.
Business Model
The brand offers a mostly evergreen selection with limited product churn or trend based marketing.
non-toxic
details:
Zerra and Co.'s formulations are mostly non-toxic with some moderately toxic exceptions. This includes Pehnoxyethanol, which can cause irritation and in high enough concentrations can affect the nervous system, and titanium dioxide, which is classified by IARC as a possible carcinogen (Group 2B) and minorly toxic when inhaled (powder form).
Apart from these exceptions in cosmetics, Zerra and Co.'s formulations are largely toxin-free.
social responsibility
details:
Zerra and Co. produces their products by hand in small batches in Baltimore, MD. This carries a low risk for fair labor violations even if the brand does not yet carry fair labor certifications or provide other details. Zerra and Co. is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, and participates in environmental initiaves through 1% for the Planet.
