The Sustainable Beauty E-Summit is scheduled for February 23, 2025. A full day conference to dive into the nuances of sustainability in the cosmetics sector. Free professional development for anyone who wants to learn! Registration is now live!
While this event is free of charge, our attempt is to make all of our summits top tier, competing with the highest quality conferences. From our experience, these conferences are generally very expensive and inaccessible to many independent professionals. Our free e-conference initiative is our attempt to democratize accurate information in cosmetics to anyone who wants it. Interested in supporting what we’re doing? Please share!
Agenda Topics
Defining Sustainability. Presented by Jen Novakovich
What’s wrong with corporate sustainability? And Steps Moving Forward. Presented by Mark Trexler PhD
Sustainability Regulations, From Chemicals to Claims to Packaging. Presented by Michael Washburn PhD, Maggie Spicer, Barae Jomaa PhD and Akemi Ooka PhD
An Update on Greenwashing. Presented by Wren Montgomery PhD
Persistence, Biodegradation and Emerging Pollutants. Presented by Chris Hughes and Norbert Kaminski PhD
Sustaining Sustainability. Presented by Anna Howe
Ingredient Sustainability. Presented by Mike Fevola PhD, Oihana Elizalde PhD and Nick Ouzounov PhD
Packaging Sustainability. Presented by Dan Coppins
Messaging Product Sustainability: Navigating Retailer Standards and Third-Party Emblems. Presented by Binur Aral PhD
Supply Chain Management and Update. Presented by Paul Speakman
Naturals Sustainability. Presented by Monique Simmonds PhD
Stay tuned for the full schedule!
Speaker Biographies
Prof. Monique Simmonds OBE, BSc, PhD, is Deputy Director of Science, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Monique’s research draws on a long-standing interest in plant-animal interactions and the chemistry and economic uses of plants. Her current research has a focus on the potential of plants/fungi as pharmaceutical leads for antibiotics, as well as in over–the-counter products such as cosmetics. Her work involves studying the chemistry of plants and fungi, the biological activities of extracts and isolated compounds, and using DNA based phylogenies to assist guide the selection of species. Since 2018 Monique has led the Commercial Innovation Unit at Kew that aims to undertake and help facilitate research to maximise the economic potential and associated benefit sharing of leads from plants and fungi. Prof. Simmonds is also interested in the development of chemical and DNA authentication methods to check the quality of plant-derived products being sold as medicines, cosmetics and functional foods. Monique is a member of the UK’s Dept of Health, British Pharmacopoeia Commission and chairs the advisory committee on herbals, she is also part of the International Advisory Committee for the Hong Kong and China Materia Medica. She is a member of the UKs Forestry Commission Expert Committee on Forest Science and is an Ambassador for the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures at the University of Sheffield. In 2018 she was selected as one of 100 females in England “to have made a difference” and is part of the First Females exhibit that is touring the UK and in 2019 was selected by Allure as one of seven Influential people on environmental advocacy in the beauty industry.
Dr. Mark Trexler PhD has spent more than 35 years working on climate change, starting at the World Resources Institute in 1988, founding the first business climate risk consultancy in the United States in 1991, and working extensively with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change during the 1990’s. He did some of the first research on nature-based climate solutions, developed the methodology for the first carbon offset project, carried out Nike’s first carbon footprint, and advised Stonyfield Farm Yogurt in becoming the first climate neutral company in the United States. As a climate risk practitioner, however, Mark has become increasingly concerned about the dangerous path we are collectively on that is likely to lead to more than 3o C of average global temperature increase over the next several decades. Countering that, if we can, requires a systems-based approach, and that is Mark’s current focus.
Dr. Wren Montgomery PhD is an associate professor of management and sustainability, and J.J. Wettlaufer Faculty Fellow at the Ivey Business School at Western University, Canada, as well as a faculty affiliate at the University of Michigan’s Erb Institute for Sustainable Enterprise. Montgomery’s research on firm environmental communications has been pivotal in defining greenwash and its tactics, and informing strategies to stop it. Her research has been featured in top academic journals and in prominent media outlets, such as The Globe and Mail, The Guardian, CBC Marketplace, CBC News, Bloomberg News, and The Washington Post among numerous others. In 2023, Montgomery co-founded the Greenwash Action Lab to make academic research and insights accessible to policymakers, NGOs, and managers leading anti-greenwashing efforts. These outreach and impact efforts were recognized with the 2024 ONE-SIM Outreach Award at the Academy of Management.
Dr. Akemi Ooka PhD has a Ph.D. in Chemistry and over 20 years in the CPG industry, from Fortune 500 companies to small startups. Akemi’s experience ranges from product development to sourcing and supply chain transformation at companies including J.R. Watkins, method, and The Clorox Company. Akemi now leads the Independent Beauty Association’s Global Supply Chain and Sustainability Resources programming, education, and advocacy.
Maggie Spicer is an attorney and the founder of Source Beauty, a DC-based law firm specializing in sustainability and social impact in the beauty industry. She works with global brands and retailers on ESG issues related to product design, marketing, compliance, and corporate strategy. She was previously an associate at the global law firm White & Case, where she specialized in trade compliance and business & human rights, before moving in-house at Amazon to serve as supply chain regulatory counsel.
Dr. Michael Washburn is Principal & Owner at Washburn Consulting: Sustainability and Public Affairs. Michael’s practice focuses on helping companies understand, engage, and comply with extended producer responsibility laws for packaging, household hazardous waste, textiles and more. Michael began his EPR journey as Vice President of Sustainability at Nestle Waters North America where he was the first corporate sustainability leader to actively call for EPR for packaging in 2011. He has subsequently lobbied in multiple states, served as a Senior Policy Advisor to The Recycling partnership, and advised the startup of Circular Action Alliance. He is a former faculty member at Yale School of the Environment and lives with his loving family just outside New York City.
Dr. Barae Jomaa, PhD, ERT, serves as a Principal Toxicologist and International Regulatory Lead at Colonial Chemical, Inc. With over 14 years of experience in toxicology, regulatory affairs, and scientific communication, he spearheads international regulatory initiatives at Colonial Chemical, Inc. These initiatives focus on safety assessments and substance registrations in accordance with global regulations. A European Registered Toxicologist (ERT), Dr. Jomaa holds a PhD in Toxicology. His doctoral research centered on the development of alternatives to animal testing. He has significantly contributed to the field, notably through the development of cutting-edge in vitro tests for thyroid disrupting compounds. A staunch advocate for animal welfare and environmental protection, Dr. Jomaa is passionate about scientific innovation. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of the Journal of the Netherlands Society of Toxicology (JNST). His scholarly contributions include various peer-reviewed papers on alternative testing methods. Additionally, he regularly authors and serves as the Editor in Chief for TCDD, the newsletter of the Netherlands Society of Toxicology.
Chris Hughes is an environmental scientist and regulatory expert with over 15 years’ experience. He specialises in providing strategic and technical chemical hazard and risk assessment consultancy services. Prior to establishing Embark Chemical Consulting, Chris was an Associate Director at the global environmental consultancy Ricardo Plc, and lead for environmental chemistry and toxicology services. Chris joined Ricardo in 2018 from Shell, where he specialised in the environmental hazard and risk assessment of chemicals, and EU regulations such as REACH and CLP. Chris is a leading expert in biodegradation and persistence assessment, and other aspects of chemical safety. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, given presentations, and frequently chairs discussions at international conferences, webinars and workshops. He is the founding chair of the Persistence Science Interest Group at the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), and a member of the UK REACH Independent Scientific Expert Pool (RISEP).
Dr. Norbert Kaminski PhD is a professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and is the director for the Center on Research for Ingredient Safety and director of the Institute for Integrative Toxicology, at Michigan State University. He holds joint appointments in the College of Human Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University. Dr. Kaminski joined the Michigan State faculty in 1993. He was also affiliated with the Medical College of Virginia in their Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology from 1985-1999. He received his B.A. in Chemistry in 1978 from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois, and his M.S. in Toxicology in 1981 and Ph.D. in Toxicology and Physiology in 1985 from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Kaminski has served on a number of advisory panels including National Academy of Science/IOM Review of the Health Effects in Vietnam Veterans of Exposure to Herbicides, 1992-1994; US EPA Science Advisor Board-Dioxin Reassessment Review, 1995; National Academy of Sciences IOM Study on the Assessment of the Health Implications of Exposure to Dioxins 2004-2006 and the National Academy of Sciences IOM Study on the Health Effects of Marijuana 2016-2017 and National Academy of Sciences, IOM Committee on Emerging Science on Environmental Health 2017-2021. Dr. Kaminski has also served on peer review panels including US EPA Science Review Panel for Health Research, NIH ALTX-4 Study Section and for NIDA, NIEHS, NIOSH, Wellcome Trust, and American Chemistry Council. Dr. Kaminski has served on editorial boards including as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Dr. Kaminski served as Treasurer for the Society of Toxicology from 2005-2007 and as President 2014-2015.
Dr. Birnur Aral PhD has over 20 years of experience in the consumer products industry, spanning R&D roles at Unilever and Takasago and media leadership at Good Housekeeping magazine, where she led the Beauty, Health, and Sustainability Lab. At Good Housekeeping, she oversaw studies across diverse product categories, shaping reviews and content that reached over 50 million readers monthly. She also evaluated and endorsed products for the Good Housekeeping Seal and Green Good Housekeeping Seal in categories such as cosmetics, OTC drugs, and supplements. As an organizer of Good Housekeeping’s Raise the Green Bar Sustainability Summits, Birnur introduced and managed the brand’s Sustainable Innovation Awards. She holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Bogazici University, advanced degrees from Stevens Institute of Technology, and a post-graduate certificate in Sustainability Analytics from Columbia University. Currently, Birnur is a part-time researcher at Stevens Institute of Technology and runs a consultancy to help consumer product brands achieve growth while building consumer trust. She contributes to industry journals, serves as a juror for award panels, moderates industry discussions, and mentors graduate students. Her work has resulted in scientific publications and patented personal care innovations.
Dr. Nick Ouzounov is the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Geltor, a pioneering biodesign company leading the development and manufacturing of animal-free, sustainable, and bioactive protein ingredients. Holding a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Princeton University, he possesses deep expertise in protein design, molecular biology, and biophysics. At Geltor, he has spearheaded the advancement of proprietary AI-driven protein design and fermentation-based technology platforms, enabling the creation of high-performance, ethically sourced proteins for use in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and other consumer industries. Under his technical leadership, Geltor has achieved major commercial milestones, driving its mission to revolutionize the global protein supply chain through sustainable innovation.
Dr. Oihana Elizalde PhD is the CEO at P2 Science. Previously, she served as head of sales for BASF and VP/general manager of the Mirum business at Natural Fiber Welding. Oihana has a technical background, including a PhD in Polymer Science from Universidad del Pais Vasco. At P2 Science, she leads the commercialization of P2’s main technology platforms, PIOzTM (air oxidation of renewable oils) and PICETM (biorenewable liquid polymers, including Citropol) in personal care, flavors and fragrances, textiles, crop care and other specialty chemical markets.
Dr. Michael Fevola PhD is Vice President, Head of Research & Development at INOLEX, a leading global specialty ingredients company headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with locations in ten countries. Previously, Mike was a Research Director & Fellow in the Global Beauty R&D Platforms group, where he led the Sun Care and Body Care Upstream Innovation Platform teams. During his time with J&J Consumer he held positions of increasing responsibility across the R&D organization, beginning as a Staff Scientist with the Technical Assurance/Technical Transfer group, and later with the former Advanced Technologies group. Prior to his work at J&J, Mike held positions on the industrial side with Hoechst Celanese Corp. and National Starch & Chemical Co. Mike received a Ph.D. in Polymer Science & Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi for his studies of stimuli-responsive water-soluble polymers, and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Delaware. Mike is an inventor on 24 issued U.S. Patents. He is also a coauthor of 15 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, in addition to many contributions to industry trade journal Cosmetics & Toiletries. Mike is a recipient of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) Award for Best Paper, a two-time winner of the J&J Philip B. Hofmann Research Scientist Award, and was twice awarded the Johnson Medal for Research & Development, the most prestigious scientific recognition at J&J. Mike serves as a member of the SCC’s Committee on Scientific Affairs and sits on the Personal Care Products Council’s International Nomenclature Committee. He is also Editor of the Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Paul Speakman is a highly accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in commercial management and logistics. With a strong background in supply chain technology, international intermodal shipping and final mile delivery, Paul has consistently delivered exceptional results for some of the world's most demanding brands. He currently holds the position of Vice President Sales & Client Relations at Jaguar Freight Services, where he plays a crucial role in leading the sales team and shaping the company's business strategy. At Jaguar Freight Services, known as "The Freight Architects™," Paul spearheads the sales and client relations efforts. He works closely with the CEO and executive team to develop and implement competitive sales strategies, with a focus on driving top-line growth for their global revenues. Paul is responsible for the go-to-market strategy and expansion of Jaguar Freights freight forwarding and supply chain technology business. Prior to joining Jaguar Freight Services, Paul held various positions at DHL, a global logistics company. As Senior Manager of Sales Development, he oversaw skills development and enablement initiatives for the Southeast US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Paul played a pivotal role in establishing structured sales management approaches, developing sales strategies, and ensuring the achievement of key performance indicators for annual revenue budgets. Paul Speakman holds an MBA from the University of Westminster and a B.A. in Communication from the University of Maryland College Park. His extensive experience in sales, client relations, and logistics, combined with his expertise in supply chain technology, make him a highly respected leader in the industry. With a track record of driving growth, delivering personalized service, and leveraging technology to optimize supply chains, Paul continues to make a significant impact in the field of logistics and supply chain management.
Anna Howe is an Applied Technology Manager, North America, for the Personal Care business of Evonik Corporation at the new Business & Innovation Center in Richmond, Virginia. Anna responsibility focuses on new product developments, formulations, performance evaluations, test method development for claims, and technical services. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University in Blacksburg, VA. Anna joined the Personal Care Group of Evonik Corp. in 1997. Prior to joining Evonik, Anna held positions of increasing responsibility at Inolex Chemical Company, Rhône-Poulenc (Rhodia), and Alcolac Chemical Corporation. Further, Anna is a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and holds several application patents as well as authored several scientific papers in the personal care arena
Dan Coppins is a packaging technologist and sustainability consultant through his own firm, Pack-Man Consulting Ltd. Since 2014, Dan has been in the world of packaging and have gathered wide-ranging experience and knowledge. He’s supported global brands and factories; helping them develop, test, and trial packaging from concept to launch. Some highlights of his learnings have been around production challenges and logistics; helping contract manufacturers develop other company brand products; and the machinery and technical elements throughout the whole process. Loving the science behind the packaging itself, Dan has deep understanding of materials, interaction, and processes. Along side this is the understanding of a need for regulatory adherence, this is instilled in his knowledge and forms a part of the development process for the chosen target market(s). Sustainability is a core passion of Dan’swhen it comes to packaging – hence being a self-certified packaging nerd! Sustainability runs at the core of all the work he does to ensure a considered future, and appropriate, realistic targets are set through sharing knowledge, innovations, and technology.
Jen Novakovich is a cosmetic scientist, science communicator, founder of The Eco Well, and co founder of BeautySciComm. Jen began her career working as a cosmetic formulator before she transitioned into science communication and working as a technical consultant. She has developed an expertise in sustainability substantiation, management, and regulations. Through her sci-comm work, she’s interviewed over 1,000 subject matter experts and hosts a regular cosmetic science focused podcast The Eco Well Podcast. She’s also launched several larger scale science conferences and is a regular moderator in industry panels. Jen currently serves on the Supply Chain and Sustainability Resource with the Independent Beauty Association. She completed two bachelor’s of science degrees, in Nutrition and Nutraceutical Sciences and Zoology, a diploma in formulation chemistry, a masters of science in environmental science, and a graduate certificate in environmental policy. She is currently completing a PhD at the University of Ottawa in their Environmental Sustainability department studying the impact of misinformation on environmental outcomes in the cosmetics and chemicals sector.
Thank you to our e-summit sponsors for helping us keep this event free and accessible to anyone!
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
General Sponsor
