Mondial Cosmetics: nearly a century of craft, now measured for its footprint

In Alkmaar, in the north of the Netherlands, Mondial Cosmetics has been manufacturing makeup since 1936. Nearly 90 years on, it is a full-service manufacturer with extensive expertise in producing and developing makeup formulas that encourage the expression of beauty. Its award-winning formulas reach makeup enthusiasts worldwide, and its clients appeal to it for the full process from initial development through to a finished product ready for market.   

Mondial works behind the scenes rather than on the shelf, supporting brands with research and development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain services. A heritage that spans nearly a century brings a certain responsibility with it, and Mondial extends that sense of stewardship to its environmental impact. The company embeds sustainability into its business strategy, with commitments to reduce emissions, conserve resources, cut waste, and source responsibly across its value chain.

To turn those ambitions into measurable action, Mondial partnered with Green Earth to calculate its carbon footprint and compensate for the emissions it cannot yet reduce.

We spoke with the company about its sustainability goals, the steps behind its first carbon footprint assessment, and the project it chose to support.

Can you tell us more about Mondial Cosmetics and why sustainability is important to your company?

Mondial Cosmetics is a Dutch cosmetics manufacturer based in Alkmaar with a heritage dating back to 1936. We specialise in the development and production of makeup products, particularly sticks and other liquid formulations for the eyes, lips, and face, supporting our customers with R&D, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain services.

A Mondial Cosmetics production line. Source: mondialcosmetics.com 

Sustainability is important to us because we recognise our responsibility to minimise the environmental impact of our operations while continuing to deliver high-quality cosmetic products. We are committed to reducing emissions, conserving natural resources, minimising waste, and promoting responsible sourcing throughout our value chain.

By embedding sustainability into our business strategy, we aim to contribute positively to our industry, our customers, our employees, and the communities in which we operate.

Read more: Want a simpler way to buy carbon credits? Discover our carbon marketplace

What sustainability goals have you set, and how are you working to achieve them?

Our sustainability strategy is built around five key pillars:

1. emissions reduction
2. resources
3. environmental stewardship
4. ethical sourcing
5. sustainable innovation

We have established commitments for the coming years, including reducing operational carbon intensity, expanding the use of recyclable and refillable packaging. We are also working to phase out microplastics, increase the use of certified and responsibly sourced materials, and strengthen supplier sustainability requirements.

Mondial Cosmetics’ office.

To support these goals, we continuously monitor energy and resource consumption, incorporate sustainability criteria into product development, and perform carbon footprint reporting. Reviews by our Management Team ensure that progress is monitored and aligned with our long-term objectives.

What motivated Mondial Cosmetics to calculate and offset its CO₂ footprint with Green Earth?

Calculating our carbon footprint was a logical next step in turning our sustainability ambitions into measurable actions. We wanted a clear understanding of the environmental impact of our operations and to establish a reliable baseline from which future improvements can be measured. Through Green Earth, we conducted our first comprehensive carbon footprint assessment in accordance with internationally recognised standards, including the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064.

The assessment provided valuable insight into our energy consumption and emissions profile, enabling us to identify opportunities for reduction and track progress over time. While emissions reduction remains our primary focus, we also recognise that certain emissions cannot yet be eliminated. For that reason, we chose to compensate our calculated emissions while continuing to invest in long-term reduction initiatives.

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What were your main considerations when selecting your carbon offsetting project?

When selecting an offsetting project, we looked for a solution that was credible, independently certified, and capable of delivering measurable environmental benefits. We chose to support the Renewable Solar Power Project by ReNew Solar Power Private Limited in India because it contributes to the generation of clean renewable electricity and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable Solar Power Project by ReNew Solar Power Private Limited in India.

An important consideration was that the project is certified under the Verra Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), which provides transparency and assurance regarding the environmental integrity of the carbon credits. We also appreciated that the project contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, creating a broader positive impact beyond carbon reduction alone.

Read more: How to choose high-quality carbon credits

By supporting renewable energy generation, we are helping accelerate the transition towards lower-carbon energy systems while taking responsibility for emissions that cannot yet be fully avoided.

How does this initiative align with Mondial Cosmetics’ broader sustainability goals and values?

The carbon footprint assessment and offsetting initiative directly support our commitment to environmental and ethical responsibility and continuous improvement. The initiative reflects our wider philosophy of accountability, transparency, and evidence-based decision making.

Sustainability is integrated into our operations, sourcing practices, product development activities, and governance framework, and the carbon program provides an important mechanism for monitoring and improving performance across these areas. Ultimately, it reinforces our goal of creating beauty products while reducing our impact on the planet.

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What message would you like to share with other companies in the cosmetics industry considering similar action?

Our message is simple: start measuring. Understanding your carbon footprint provides valuable insights and creates the foundation for meaningful improvement. Sustainability does not have to be achieved overnight; it is a journey of continuous learning, transparency, and incremental progress.

Carbon accounting helps identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen environmental performance while meeting the growing expectations of customers and stakeholders. We encourage companies across the cosmetics industry to take ownership of their environmental impact, collaborate with credible partners, and set measurable goals that support both business resilience and a more sustainable future.

A Mondial Cosmetics product being created. Source: mondialcosmetics.com  

Clean power, measurable impact

Mondial’s first step was the one it now recommends to others: measure. Working with Green Earth, the company built a reliable emissions baseline, giving it a clear picture of where its impact sits and where reductions can follow. That baseline turns sustainability from an intention into something the company can track, report, and improve year on year.

To compensate for the emissions it cannot yet reduce, Mondial chose the Renewable Solar Power Project by ReNew Solar Power Private Limited in India, a project from Green Earth’s carbon marketplace. The project generates clean electricity from solar power and is certified under the Verra Verified Carbon Standard, one of the most widely recognised standards in the voluntary carbon market. For Mondial, it is a reliable, independently verified way to take responsibility today while reduction work continues.

At Green Earth, we help companies like Mondial move from ambition to measurable action. We calculate your footprint, guide you to verified projects that match your values, and give you full transparency over the impact you support. Whether your priority is renewable energy or restoring nature and the communities that depend on it, your path to a lower-impact business starts with understanding your footprint and acting on it.

A close-up shot of one of Mondial Cosmetics’ products. 

Are you ready to measure your footprint and compensate with confidence? Reach out to Green Earth about verified carbon solutions built for your business, or start by browsing our carbon marketplace.