Adaptation and sustainability of SMEs in the Finnish cosmetic industry during environmental crises
Le, Thi Minh Ngoc (2025)
2025
All rights reserved. This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061323006
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061323006
Tiivistelmä
The aim of this study was to examine how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Finnish cosmetic industry adapt their operations to ongoing environmental crises. The study investigated how environmental disruptions such as climate instability, biodiversity decline, and resource scarcity affect sourcing, production, and sustainability efforts. It also examined how evolving consumer expectations and environmental policies influence SMEs’ sustainability approaches.
This thesis was built around theories such as SME development, adaptability and resilience, the Circular economy model, Corporate Social Responsibility, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The empirical part of the study followed a qualitative case study. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews with Moi Forest, while secondary data was used to analyse the cases of Laponie of Scandinavia and Luonkos. Together, these cases illustrate practical adaptation and sustainability strategies in the Finnish cosmetic industry.
The findings reveal that Finnish cosmetic SMEs are actively responding to environmental challenges through innovative product design, transparent ingredient sourcing, eco-conscious packaging, and locally grounded sustainability strategies. Key strategies include upcycled ingredients, adopting biodegradable packaging, ensuring ethical sourcing, and engaging in direct consumer education. The research also identifies significant obstacles, such as limited financial resources, regulatory complexities, and price-sensitive markets.
This thesis was built around theories such as SME development, adaptability and resilience, the Circular economy model, Corporate Social Responsibility, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The empirical part of the study followed a qualitative case study. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews with Moi Forest, while secondary data was used to analyse the cases of Laponie of Scandinavia and Luonkos. Together, these cases illustrate practical adaptation and sustainability strategies in the Finnish cosmetic industry.
The findings reveal that Finnish cosmetic SMEs are actively responding to environmental challenges through innovative product design, transparent ingredient sourcing, eco-conscious packaging, and locally grounded sustainability strategies. Key strategies include upcycled ingredients, adopting biodegradable packaging, ensuring ethical sourcing, and engaging in direct consumer education. The research also identifies significant obstacles, such as limited financial resources, regulatory complexities, and price-sensitive markets.