In March 2020, when the world ground to a halt, a curious thing happened; while human beings were confined to their homes, nature had a rare opportunity to re-establish itself.

In the northern Indian region of Punjab, the Himalayan mountain range, situated some 100 miles away, was visible for the first time in decades thanks to a significant reduction in air pollution. The canals in Venice became so clear you could see right to the bottom. While visitors were kept away from Yosemite National Park in California, bears began to dominate the forests again. And in Llandudno, Wales, Great Orme goats took back the streets.

While the majority of us understood climate change and human interference to be a problem before lockdowns, not many of us had actually witnessed how nature thrives when we’re not around. Suddenly, the abstract concepts of climate change and human impact on the natural world became very real and very undeniable. “Coronavirus exposed the fragility of natural systems,” explains Victoria Rojas, iCrossing's strategist and sustainability expert. “This fragility has undoubtedly heightened people’s awareness of pressing environmental issues and, consequently, the urge to create a better and healthier planet.”

Consumers were on the path towards sustainability before Covid-19, but this revelation undoubtedly sped things up, affirming sustainability and the environment as key factors when making a purchase.

So now, brands must act.

According to a sustainability report commissioned by the British Beauty Council, almost two thirds of consumers want brands to do more in helping their cause to improve the planet, and 1 in 7 people switched to more sustainable beauty products in April to July of last year. Additionally, research by sustainability agency, Futerra, found that 88% of consumers want brands to do more to help them make a difference by using less packaging and making recycling instructions clear and transparent.

“The need for wellness has heightened with consumers’ increased desire for self-care and additional spare time during the various Covid-19 lockdowns,” says Victoria. “Responsible consumption is becoming an everyday habit. Beauty brands that want to stay in the game and not become obsolete will have to invest in innovative transformation and collaborative partnerships to shift to a more responsible production model on time to satisfy both trends.”

Brands have little choice but to listen and adapt in line with this overwhelming consumer expectation. This is especially true if brands wish to retain a younger customer into adulthood as, according to Unilever, 90% of Gen Z consumers expect brands to do more to help reduce climate impact and improve the state of the world.

So, what does this look like in terms of product innovation, packaging and the supply chain?

It means Fairtrade ingredients and responsible harvesting of contentious ingredients like Baobab and palm oil, and ensuring your suppliers also take this into consideration. Consumers are specifically looking for less packaging, which is why brands like Glossier now offer packaging options at the check out, and the packaging that is necessary should be completely recyclable. Water-soluble packing peanuts are a favourite amongst millennial shoppers – something many are more than willing to highlight on social media.

It can be tricky to navigate the world of sustainability and conversations around it. A robust content and social strategy is essential at the best of times, but even more so when it comes to communication and education around such a divisive topic. Need guidance? Let’s chat.