BCAM launches sustainability initiative to encourage change in aesthetic clinics

The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) is encouraging its members to make their clinics more sustainable by sharing tips in newsletters and collaborating with enthusiasts who are driving change in the sector.

Sustainability is one of BCAM’s key issues for 2022, and the college has launched an initiative to help its 400-plus members make simple changes that have a big impact, including recycling waste, employing
non-paper-based clinic systems and choosing suppliers who use ethical packaging.

BCAM trustee Dr Bhavjit Kaur, who is responsible for membership and PR, said, “Unfortunately, aesthetic medicine is behind the curve when it comes to sustainability. We see manufacturers packaging single syringes in boxes or using cellophane wrapping, and some clinics still have paper-based systems for consent documents or give out products in plastic bags.

“BCAM is taking the initiative and providing members with practical solutions to make their clinics more sustainable. We also plan to encourage suppliers to offer greener options with their packaging, and it’s encouraging that there is already a handful of pharma companies that are taking sustainability seriously.”

BCAM is collaborating with Ron Myers, who has completed a course in Business Sustainability Management from the University of Cambridge and launched the “Sustainability in Aesthetics” Facebook group to share best practice and engage with those who are committed to making a change.

Myers said, “Apart from the environmental benefits of starting to address the issues that affect us all, we are at a tipping point where consumers are increasingly looking to spend their money with companies making changes and talking about this in their marketing. 

“In an increasingly competitive sector, clinics that successfully incorporate sustainability practices into their business model can benefit by using this as an additional differentiating factor in their marketing.”