South Korea partners with Lush to boost consumption by using beans in cosmetics

Lush Korea has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to expand the use of locally sourced pulses in its cosmetics.

The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at diversifying domestic consumption of pulses. The Korean arm of the British cosmetics maker already uses local ingredients in about 80 of its products, but the exact proportion across its entire catalog has not been disclosed. Under the agreement, Lush Korea will further integrate local pulses into a wider range of products.

The Ministry of Agriculture of South Korea will ensure that Lush Korea has a stable supply, which is crucial given that its products often have a short shelf life. The ministry will also provide important information on domestic pulse varieties, production locations and production levels.

In addition to meeting consumer demand, the partnership aims to reshape South Korea's perception of domestic pulses and highlight their little-known value as a cosmetic ingredient.

"This partnership marks mutual cooperation between multinational companies and Korean agriculture," said Ministry of Agriculture of South Korea Song Mi-ryung. "Create new demand for domestically produced beans and diversify consumption, making domestic high-quality pulses and beans products more accessible."

The head of Lush Korea said: "I believe our agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture provides customers with the opportunity to provide local, high-quality produce directly to customers, which will be well received at our UK headquarters. It would be ideal if domestically produced soybeans could be supplied to Lush in Southeast Asia."