Dive into the Details: The Key to Traceability

When considering the supply chain, ‘dive into the details’ is a call to be deeply engaged with understanding processes, getting to grips with the detail and going beyond just trusting in a smart certification or a polished Excel spreadsheet. 

This approach is crucial when considering traceability.  Ensuring product quality and equity in supply chains is a key focus of any business, but when it comes to the beauty industry it’s critical. It’s not good enough to be just aware of the product pathway and take a cursory glance at the top line information. You have to find joy in getting stuck into the detail and commit to truly knowing the provenance and process behind a product or ingredient.

And yet, the principle of traceability often occupies the back seat in discussions around human rights monitoring and supply chain oversight. Many rely entirely on the appeal of certifications and third party endorsements, without spending too much time checking underneath the hood. 

Certifications can and do offer great benefits and are a useful part of the traceability ecosystem. But they cannot be the only thing an organization considers when taking a look at its supply chains and ingredient sourcing. 

Palm oil, mica, paper, soy, and cotton can be sourced from locations where regulations are lax, labor is exploited, and the environment is at risk. Frequently, traceability can be opaque, relationships can be incredibly delicate and there is a desire to apply a veneer of authenticity and ethics at a high level, but sometimes a resistance to go deep into the detail. But companies must commit to the process. They must delve into the provenance of each ingredient, understanding the where, how, and who is involved in their journey.

It’s also important to highlight that a commitment to detail and getting stuck into the weeds is not a single moment in time but a continuous process. Healthy scrutiny is something that should be applied constantly, the data checked regularly and the narrative of each ingredient or product updated as it evolves. This gives a true picture of provenance and a clear story to tell in the development and sourcing of an ingredient. 

Let's consider the beauty industry, where ethical procurement and sustainability are not just nice-to-have attributes but essential to the survival and integrity of brands. Ingredients like palm oil are fraught with challenges related to deforestation and habitat destruction. Mica, used in numerous cosmetic products for its shimmering properties, is often mined in conditions that violate basic human rights. When a brand knows each bend and break in the supply chain, it can take steps to rectify issues, be it through direct intervention or by supporting initiatives aimed at improving practices in sourcing regions.

Companies must embed themselves within the narrative of their supply chains, not as overlords, but as custodians of ethics and quality. This deep engagement enables companies to ask the right questions, identify the real issues, and implement meaningful solutions.

Part of Natura &Co’s Commitment To Life is acutely focused on this area. Our dedication to full traceability across mica, palm oil, paper, alcohol, soy and cotton is the business keeping its nose into the supply chain. With that detail orientated approach to traceability Natura &Co will then be able to identify, prevent and mitigate poor and/or unethical practices.. 

Nose-in means conducting regular audits, engaging with local communities, establishing direct relationships with suppliers, and using technology to monitor the journey of materials. Traceability is the compass by which companies can navigate the murky waters of global supply chains. It directs them toward a more transparent, responsible, and ultimately sustainable future. For the beauty industry—and indeed any sector—embracing this principle means going beyond the surface.  It means understanding the hands that touch their products, and the footprint that marks their journey.

As we continue to confront the realities of our global impact, the beauty industry stands as a testament to what can be achieved when companies take the time to know their supply chain intimately. In an era where consumers are more informed and concerned about the ethical implications of their purchases, traceability is not just a differentiator; it's a mandate.