UPCYCLED INGREDIENTS 45
mainstream adoption. Lipidomic profiling, oxidative stability testing, and sensory analysis can all help establish a reliable technical foundation for tallow-based materials. Collaborations between agricultural scientists,
cosmetic chemists, and innovation agencies can accelerate progress by bridging knowledge gaps between industries that historically operated separately. By uniting the agricultural and beauty sectors, countries like New Zealand can carve out a niche as leaders in circular, science-led ingredient development. Callaghan Innovation’s support for exploratory
research into alternative tallows underscores this opportunity. The next step is dialogue, engaging with formulators, contract manufacturers, and brand developers to identify the most promising use cases and to refine specifications accordingly.
Looking forward - a circular beauty future The journey of cosmetic-grade tallow is emblematic of a larger shift in how the beauty industry views waste. What was once considered a by-product of the meat industry is now emerging as a high-value, functional cosmetic ingredient. As research expands beyond beef to
encompass lamb, pork, and other species, the potential for diversification and customisation grows. Each fat type offers a unique fingerprint of fatty acids and sensory attributes, inviting formulators to craft bespoke lipid blends grounded in nature and science. For New Zealand, this represents not just
an ingredient opportunity, but a broader sustainability story, one that connects the country’s agricultural heritage with its innovation economy. By aligning with global demand for authenticity
and resource efficiency, New Zealand can position itself as a premium source of upcycled animal
Botallow co-founders Jane James (left) and Sara Corleison (right)
lipids for the world’s most discerning beauty brands.
The next evolution of this movement will depend on open collaboration between the beauty and agricultural sectors. Pilot programmes, shared databases, and
ingredient libraries could help accelerate discovery and application. By treating animal lipids as renewable resources rather than industrial residues, the global beauty community can reshape its relationship with nature and redefine what true sustainability means.
Conclusion The evolution of tallow from humble by-product
to sophisticated cosmetic ingredient illustrates the power of rethinking what we already have. By combining scientific rigour, ethical sourcing, and transparent storytelling, upcycled animal lipids can redefine sustainability in beauty. This is only the beginning. As research
continues, collaboration will be crucial, between processors, formulators, and brands, to unlock the full potential of animal-derived ingredients within the circular beauty economy. Ultimately, the question is not whether the
industry will embrace these materials, but how. The answers will shape not only the future of upcycled cosmetics but also the sustainability narrative of beauty itself.
PCM
www.personalcaremagazine.com
January 2026 PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
