How Can an Agricultural Index Make the Cosmetic Supply Chain Greener?

Cosmetic companies are increasingly using plant-based raw materials, but this exposes them to agricultural risks such as drought or biodiversity loss. To tackle the issue, the Field Cultivation Index (FCI) was created, a tool designed to assess the sustainability of the crops that supply these raw materials. The FCI has three main goals: identify strengths and weaknesses of a farming system, compare different systems to find the most eco‑friendly, and highlight initiatives that improve sustainability. It is easy to use, requires minimal data, and works anywhere, on any soil, climate or crop, from large farms to family plots. The method relies on recognized scientific criteria and economic operator initiatives, linking to regenerative agriculture principles. It evaluates five environmental outcomes: soil quality, water conservation, biodiversity, pesticide reduction, and carbon emission mitigation. In an initial study of about 40 diversified cropping systems, the FCI proved sensitive, operational and educational, yet also showed that high scores demand truly regenerative practices. Thus, farmers and supply chains can measure and improve their environmental impact, moving closer to the sustainability goals demanded by the cosmetics market.

The Field Cultivation Index (FCI) is built on a theoretical framework that merges regenerative agriculture metrics with environmental performance indicators. Its key components include: 1) Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) – measures the amount of carbon stored in the soil, a direct indicator of soil health and CO₂ sequestration capacity. 2) Water Use Efficiency (WUE) – the ratio of agricultural output to water consumption, crucial in water‑stress regions. 3) Biodiversity Index – combines crop species diversity and the presence of natural habitats, reflecting the ecological resilience of the system. 4) Pesticide Load – quantifies the intensity and toxicity of applied agrochemicals, giving higher weight to persistent substances. 5) Carbon Footprint – calculates total greenhouse gas emissions associated with all crop stages, from soil preparation to harvest. Data collection uses standardized questionnaires and field sensors, ensuring consistency across diverse contexts. The analysis employs a weighted scoring model where each indicator is normalized on a 0‑100 scale and aggregated with calibrated weights based on regenerative relevance. Results are displayed in an interactive dashboard that lets farmers quickly spot critical areas and compare alternative management scenarios. Moreover, the FCI can be integrated with existing certifications (e.g., USDA Organic, EU Ecolabel), easing market compliance. Its flexibility allows updating weighting parameters as new scientific evidence emerges, making it a dynamic tool for transitioning toward more regenerative and resilient farming practices.