Anna Alessi

Design Ecosystem Fellow 2022-23

Dr Anna Alessi works as a Project and Communications Manager at the Biorenewables Development Centre in York. She holds an MSc degree in Biotechnology from the University of Łódź in Poland and a PhD degree from the University of East Anglia. As a post-doctoral researcher at the University of York, Anna worked on large research-led projects focused on bio-based technologies for bioenergy production in collaboration with national and international academic and industrial partners. At the BDC, she manages grant-funded and commercial projects, supports business development activities and communicates research across different stakeholders.

Research Overview

The personal care product sector is under pressure to reduce the industry’s adverse impact on the environment. Many companies have set ambitious goals to reach net-zero emissions and play a leading role in a low-carbon economy transition. This is largely driven by growing customer demand for transparency and sustainable cosmetic products.  

The aim of this exploratory research was to map the innovative personal care product ecosystem of Yorkshire by identifying the main components of the ecosystem, showing examples of initiatives accelerating the sector’s shift to circularity, and highlighting current trends and future opportunities.  

The active stakeholder engagement and research occurred between July–Dec 2022.  

Full grant award amount: £19,998. 

Read the full report: The Circular Personal Care Ecosystem for Yorkshire