Practical approaches to lower environmental and social impacts were the central theme of the three-day Sustainable Cosmetics Summit held in Paris.

In his keynote speech at the event, professor Michael Braungart challenged beauty companies to take positive action on sustainability - rather than "lessening their guilt".

"The discussion should be about having positive impacts, not reducing negative impacts", he said.

The need for positive change was also highlighted by Jean-Yves Berthon, founder of active ingredients producer Greentech.

He urged cosmetic companies to develop ethical relationships when sourcing raw materials and suggested more education and knowledge sharing between companies to support the environment and social communities in developing countries.

Organised by Organic Monitor, the summit aims to encourage sustainability in the spa and beauty industry.