One of the project's core objectives was to raise awareness about the life cycle and environmental impacts of personal care products. We sought to learn from businesses that have integrated green models into their operations, addressing not only packaging but also waste management protocols and eco-friendly ingredients. This knowledge was intended to be transferable to future students and apprentices in beauty and cosmetic occupations. Also, we aimed to strengthen VET mentors in the beauty sector by focusing on sustainability and green skills strategies. Teaching young people about environmental responsibility from an early age fosters a sense of stewardship for the planet.Key EU policies, such as the Green Deal and the EU Skills Agenda, highlight the importance of education in promoting environmental sustainability. By implementing this project, we sought to achieve several objectives: raise awareness (Increase understanding of the environmental impacts of cosmetics), reduce waste (Influence practices that lead to less waste generation in the beauty sector), empower educators (equip VET mentors with knowledge and strategies for sustainability).
We applied for this project because we recognized the urgent need to address the environmental challenges posed by the beauty and skincare industries, which continued to generate significant waste despite increasing global and EU efforts toward sustainability. This project provided us with an opportunity to focus on education, skill development, and raising awareness about sustainable practices within the sector. The beauty industry requires a shift toward more sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, adopting renewable ingredients, and using eco-friendly packaging. Our goal was to promote these practices and encourage responsible consumer behavior among future generations of users, ie VET students and their teachers. There was a clear need to equip teachers, mentors, and students in VET with the skills necessary to support the green transition. Through this project, we aimed to enhance educational quality and foster a workforce well-versed in sustainability. Also, with the project we strengthening the cooperation between educational institutions and businesses that is essential for aligning VET programs with labor market needs.