Sustainability challenge

Showcase sustainable technologies, engineering solutions, or design innovations that contribute to a more responsible and environmentally conscious cosmetics industry. Examples include, but are not limited to: sustainable sourcing, green formulations, resource-efficient processes, water conservation, biomimicry, and innovative packaging solutions.

Open to startups and academic research groups. (A startup is defined as a company typically in its early stages of development, characterized by high growth potential and innovation.) Large corporations are not eligible.

Submit a PDF presentation in English (maximum 7 slides) outlining:

• Team/Organization Overview
• Project Description and Innovation: objectives, originality of the product/technology, level of development, feasibility of the project
• Showcase the sustainability Impact
• Expected challenges and Next steps

A jury of sustainability experts will review applications anonymously based on novelty, scope of application, and stage of advancement.

Each finalist will deliver a 2-minute pitch to the audience, followed by a 45-minute informal, networking session where finalists will have the opportunity to present their innovation and discuss in person with delegates visiting the area and convince the jury.

Participation and Eligibility:

• Entrants should be available to attend the IFSCC Congress in Cannes, France on September 16th, 2025.
• Mandatory In-Person Attendance: Selected finalists must be present to showcase their innovation in person. Remote presentations are not accepted.
• Eligible Participants: The competition is open to startups, academic/research groups, individuals. Large corporations are not eligible. (A startup is typically a company in its early stages, characterized by high growth potential and innovation.)
• Language: All application materials and presentations must be in English. Non-English submissions will be disqualified.

Entry Requirements:

• The entry should have elements that can be demonstrable on the day—either using prototypes in a tabletop space or through other formats like digital media. If using digital media, entrants must provide their own devices for display.
• Application Materials: A PowerPoint presentation (maximum 7 slides) is required. This presentation must include:
  - Team/Organization Overview
  - Project Description and Innovation: objectives, originality of the product/technology, level of development, feasibility of the project
  - Showcase the sustainability Impact
  - Expected challenges & Next steps

Judging and Selection:

• Anonymous Judging: Candidates will be reviewed anonymously by a panel of judges with expertise in sustainable innovation. They will assess based on novelty, scope of application, and stage of advancement. Following this review, 8 finalists will be selected to present their research work at the IFSCC on September 16th, 2025.
• On the day of the challenge, from the 8 finalists, a winner will be selected and announced by the jury.

Timeline and Showcase:

• The Sustainability Challenge will be held on September 16th, 2025, during the IFSCC Congress in Cannes, France.
• Showcase Format: Selected finalists will have a short (2-minute) pitch to the audience. Then, it will be followed by a longer, informal Q&A and networking session, with a dedicated tabletop space so the finalists can present innovations to attendees and the jury.

Organization and Support:

• The challenge is organized by the Société Française de Cosmétologie (SFC), in partnership with L'Oréal Research & Innovation.
• The organizers reserve the right to amend, modify, and change these rules and interpret the entries as they see fit.
• By entering the showcase challenge, all participants and winners agree to have the legal capacity to enter the showcase and agree to the entry criteria.