Developing a Sustainable Business Plan for Eco Beauty Salons in Finland
Soliman, Aila (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120532950
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120532950
Tiivistelmä
This thesis develops a sustainable business model for eco-friendly beauty salons in Finland, with the aim of integrating environmentally responsible practices into everyday salon operations while maintaining long-term economic viability. As sustainability becomes increasingly important in consumer behavior and business strategy, the Finnish beauty sector faces rising expectations to adopt greener and more ethical approaches. This study responds to that need by examining how beauty salons can embed sustainability into their core business practices without compromising service quality or profitability.
The research combines a comprehensive literature review with empirical data. The theoretical framework draws on sustainable business models, circular economy principles, and current de-velopments in the global and Finnish beauty industries. Empirical insights were gathered through market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and semi-structured interviews conducted via email with Finnish industry professionals, including eco-hairdressers, salon owners, product suppliers, and sustainability specialists. These responses were analysed to identify key challenges, oppor-tunities, and best practices for implementing sustainability in salon environments.
Focus is placed on sustainable supply chain management, including procurement, product selection, waste reduction, and logistical choices that support circular and low-impact operations. These elements are essential for reducing environmental footprints and enhancing transparency across the beauty service supply chain.
The outcome of the thesis is a practical and scalable sustainable business model designed for both new and existing beauty salons in Finland. It outlines core components such as value propositions, customer segments, partnerships, revenue structures, and operational processes, offering a clear roadmap for aligning profitability with environmental responsibility. Ultimately, this work contributes to promoting responsible entrepreneurship and supporting the transition toward a more sustainable, resilient, and future-oriented beauty industry in Finland.
The research combines a comprehensive literature review with empirical data. The theoretical framework draws on sustainable business models, circular economy principles, and current de-velopments in the global and Finnish beauty industries. Empirical insights were gathered through market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and semi-structured interviews conducted via email with Finnish industry professionals, including eco-hairdressers, salon owners, product suppliers, and sustainability specialists. These responses were analysed to identify key challenges, oppor-tunities, and best practices for implementing sustainability in salon environments.
Focus is placed on sustainable supply chain management, including procurement, product selection, waste reduction, and logistical choices that support circular and low-impact operations. These elements are essential for reducing environmental footprints and enhancing transparency across the beauty service supply chain.
The outcome of the thesis is a practical and scalable sustainable business model designed for both new and existing beauty salons in Finland. It outlines core components such as value propositions, customer segments, partnerships, revenue structures, and operational processes, offering a clear roadmap for aligning profitability with environmental responsibility. Ultimately, this work contributes to promoting responsible entrepreneurship and supporting the transition toward a more sustainable, resilient, and future-oriented beauty industry in Finland.