AI, The Future of Now: Instinct, Innovation, Implementation, and its Intersection

This isn’t a theoretical debate. For sustainable luxury brands, the strategic use of technology may be the most meaningful lever they have to address the contradictions at the heart of their growth—and to do so in a way that strengthens their core mission.

The Paradox at the Heart of Sustainable Luxury

The market signals are impossible to ignore. The sustainable beauty industry alone is projected to surpass $326 billion by 2031. Consumers are speaking with their wallets—73% across 60 countries say they’re willing to pay more for sustainable products, and beauty buyers are even more committed.

And yet, underneath this surge lies a dissonant reality that many luxury brands still avoid confronting.

:: Half of all beauty products made in a given year remain unsold

:: 10% are incinerated—representing ±$50 billion in lost potential revenue

:: The industry loses $4.8 billion annually from overproduction

:: Beauty has the highest waste rate (6.2%) among major industries

This isn’t just a supply chain inefficiency—it’s a brand integrity issue. For companies that position sustainability at their core, how they tackle overproduction and waste becomes a visible test of authenticity.

The Essentials. The Breakdown. and The Path Forward. Subscribe here