Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the growing importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices among Chinese beauty companies, highlighting their commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility through innovative practices and reporting [2][3]. Group 1: ESG Practices and Reporting - The "Sustainable Innovation Laboratory" by Southern Metropolis Daily is collaborating with Shanghai University of Finance and Economics to evaluate and recognize outstanding ESG practices among companies, culminating in the release of the "2025 ESG Sustainable Innovation Trend Insight Report" [3]. - Major Chinese beauty companies, including Up Beauty, Proya, and Huaxi Biological, are increasingly focusing on "green packaging" as a key ESG issue, with a consensus emerging on carbon reduction and product circular consumption [3][4]. - Proya has provided detailed disclosures regarding its green packaging initiatives, including a 20% increase in sustainable materials and a 15% reduction in packaging usage intensity [4]. Group 2: Specific Initiatives by Companies - Up Beauty has implemented eight guidelines for sustainable packaging, including using FSC-certified paper and eco-friendly inks, while Huaxi Biological has improved packaging processes to minimize waste [4]. - Beitaini reported a significant increase in its bottle recycling program, achieving 2.67 million bottles recycled in 2024, which is eight times the amount from 2023 [5]. - L'Oréal has committed to ensuring that 100% of its plastic packaging is refillable, reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, promoting refillable options for its products [6]. Group 3: Emerging Trends in ESG Reporting - Chinese beauty companies are beginning to incorporate "Chinese characteristics" into their ESG narratives, such as employee welfare initiatives and rural revitalization projects [7][8]. - The trend of "pure beauty" is gaining traction, with companies focusing on the safety and transparency of product ingredients, responding to consumer demand for cleaner products [14][15]. - Companies are increasingly establishing anti-corruption mechanisms, with some, like Mao Geping, including anti-corruption training in their ESG reports [10]. Group 4: Challenges and Opportunities - There is a notable lack of quantifiable targets in ESG reporting among Chinese beauty companies, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable sourcing [16][19]. - The complexity of supply chains poses challenges for accurate carbon emission reporting, with many companies struggling to obtain reliable data from suppliers [19]. - The regulatory environment in China is less stringent compared to Western markets, leading to a reliance on voluntary commitments rather than mandatory compliance for ESG goals [19].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices in the Chinese beauty industry, highlighting the increasing focus on sustainable packaging, local cultural integration, anti-corruption measures, and the rise of "clean beauty" concepts among domestic brands [1][2][9]. Group 1: ESG Practices in the Beauty Industry - The "Sustainable Innovation Laboratory" of Southern Metropolis Daily is collecting exemplary ESG practices from companies to promote sustainable development [1]. - A report titled "2025 ESG Sustainable Innovation Trend Insight Report" will be released, showcasing best practices in ESG from various companies [2]. - Major Chinese beauty brands are increasingly adopting green packaging strategies, with a consensus emerging around carbon reduction and product lifecycle management [3][5]. Group 2: Green Packaging Initiatives - Companies like Up Beauty and Huaxi Biological are implementing sustainable packaging practices, including the use of FSC-certified materials and reducing plastic usage [3]. - Pulaia has detailed its green packaging efforts, aiming to increase the proportion of sustainable materials by 20% and reduce packaging intensity by 15% [5]. - Betaini reported a significant increase in effective bottle recycling, achieving 2.67 million bottles in 2024, eight times the previous year [7]. Group 3: Localized ESG Topics - Chinese beauty companies are incorporating "Chinese characteristics" into their ESG disclosures, such as marriage and childbirth benefits for employees and contributions to rural revitalization [9][10]. - Up Beauty has established a marriage and childbirth fund of 10 million yuan to support employees [9]. - The focus on rural revitalization includes financial support for local infrastructure projects, enhancing community living conditions [9]. Group 4: Anti-Corruption Measures - Domestic beauty brands are establishing anti-corruption reporting mechanisms, a unique feature compared to international counterparts [11]. - Companies like Mao Ge Ping and Huaxi Biological have implemented structured anti-corruption training and reporting systems [12]. Group 5: Digital Transformation and AI - The application of AI technology in ESG reporting is becoming more prominent, with companies like L'Oreal investing over 1 billion euros annually in technology and data analysis [14]. - L'Oreal is developing digital tools to manage revenue growth and optimize product pricing through data integration [14]. Group 6: Rise of Clean Beauty - The concept of "clean beauty" is gaining traction, with brands focusing on safe and transparent ingredient sourcing [17][20]. - Up Beauty has established a green ingredient research center and published a white paper on clean beauty standards [18]. - The increasing consumer awareness regarding product safety and ingredient transparency is driving the demand for clean beauty products [21].