Tata Harper Discusses Clean Beauty and Sustainability Initiatives

ESG Outlook is Sourcing Journal’s discussion series with industry executives to get their take on their company’s latest environmental, social and governance initiatives and their own personal efforts toward sustainability. Here, Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare, discusses how important being eco-minded is to the beauty industry, and how sustainability must always carry over from product to packaging.

Name: Tata Harper
Title: Founder
Company: Tata Harper Skincare

What do you consider your company’s best ESG-related achievement over the last 5 years? Explain.

As the founder of Tata Harper Skincare, I’m incredibly proud of our commitment to sustainability and making a positive impact on the world. Over the last five years, our best ESG-related achievement has been transitioning to our own beautiful, organic farm in Vermont, where we grow many of our ingredients. This not only allows us to ensure quality and sustainability but also connects us deeply to the land and community.

What is your company’s latest ESG-related initiative?

Our latest ESG-related initiative focuses on reducing our packaging waste through innovative design and materials. We’re committed to using recyclable and biodegradable packaging, which is an essential step in minimizing our environmental footprint. We’ve recognized the importance of refillable packaging, which is a key aspect of our sustainability efforts. We’re actively implementing refillable options for as many products as we can, encouraging our consumers to adopt more sustainable habits. This not only reduces waste but also promotes a more circular economy.

Moreover, I firmly believe sustainability must start with the ingredients we use. We prioritize sourcing sustainable ingredients that are both effective and eco-friendly, ensuring that our products make a positive impact from the very beginning of their life cycle.

What is the biggest misconception consumers have about sustainability in fashion/beauty? And since you work in this industry, do you find yourself trying to help clarify such misconceptions? 

One of the biggest misconceptions consumers have about sustainability in beauty is that it’s synonymous with a lack of efficacy or luxury. Many think that eco-friendly products sacrifice performance for sustainability, which isn’t true at Tata Harper. I actively work to clarify these misconceptions by sharing our transparent sourcing, formulation processes, and results-driven products, proving sustainability and effectiveness can beautifully coexist.

What was your company’s biggest takeaway from the Covid crisis that is still relevant today?  

The Covid crisis taught us the importance of resilience and adaptability in our operations. We’ve become even more mindful about our supply chain, focusing on local sourcing and enhancing our reliance on technology to maintain efficiency and sustainability, which remains relevant in today’s landscape.

What do you consider to be the fashion industry’s biggest missed opportunity related to securing meaningful change?

In the beauty industry, I believe we’ve missed the opportunity to fully embrace circularity. We need to think beyond product design to creating systems for reuse and recycling that genuinely engage consumers and promote lasting change.

What is your personal philosophy on shopping for beauty products?

My personal philosophy on shopping beauty products revolves around making conscious choices. I prioritize brands that align with my values regarding environmental impact and ethical practices. I’m careful to shop for products that use sustainable ingredients and minimal packaging.  

Anything new you are doing to boost sustainability beyond the industry?  

Beyond beauty, I am focused on increasing sustainability in my personal life. This includes using natural home cleaning products, investing in eco-friendly furnishings, choosing upcycled furniture while pursuing my love for antiquing, and switching the house to clean energy.

An important aspect of this journey is teaching these practices to my kids and ensuring they understand the significance of sustainability. Ultimately, my aim is to inspire a shift towards greater environmental responsibility across industries, not just within beauty. We can create a more sustainable future together, one conscious choice at a time.