The US-based Institute for Sustainability (IfS) has launched a new initiative to assist cosmetics and beauty companies to source and develop sustainable packaging.

The new Sustainable Packaging Cosmetics Roundtable (SPCR) will look to make it easier for members to make individual choices when interacting with suppliers, retailers, and consumers with respect to sustainable packaging.

Inaugural members include Chanel; The L'Oreal Group; The Estée Lauder Companies; Avon Products; Coty; and Mast Global.

Estée Lauder's vice president of packaging, John Delfausse, has been chosen as chair of the roundtable.

Delfausse said: "Cosmetic companies are becoming more aware of the importance of sustainable packaging within their corporate social responsibility initiatives."