Did you know that more than half of our planet is covered by the High Seas? These vast international waters lie beyond the jurisdiction of any single country. They are home to extraordinary marine life and play a vital role in regulating the planet’s climate.
Despite their scale and importance, less than 1% of these High Seas are currently protected. They remain one of the least protected environments on the planet. With the work from WWF and the High Seas Treaty, this is starting to change.
For Oat Cosmetics, we’re proud to play a small role in protecting these environments. For our fifth year as WWF Guardians, we’re supporting the 2026 Guardians Appeal: High Hopes for the High Seas.
Our Fifth Year as WWF Guardians
We’re thrilled to renew our partnership as WWF Guardians for the fifth consecutive year, with a donation of £1,000. This is something that’s integral to our core values of ethical and environmental responsibility.
Over the years we have proudly supported several critical conservation projects, aiding local communities and natural resources. These have included preserving the Amazon Rainforest, to the conservation of the Sabah Forest and the Tiger Landscapes appeal. These past five years of support reflects more than just an annual gesture. It reflects that at the heart of our business, sustainability is not just a goal but a core principle that drives everything we do.
Supporting the High Seas Treaty
This year, our contribution will support WWF’s work with the High Seas Treaty* in protecting these life-sustaining waters, for marine life, people and our planet. This appeal is central to WWF’s advocacy for turning the High Seas Treaty agreement into lasting action, and to protect 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030.
The High Seas Treaty offers a real opportunity to develop a global network of high seas Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These areas restrict disruptive activities such as fishing, shipping and deep-sea mining, giving marine wildlife room to feed, breed and migrate safely. It will also seek to shield marine ecosystems from the effects of climate change, giving ecosystems a better chance to adapt to rising temperatures and lower oxygen levels.
*The High Seas Treaty is formally named the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction. It entered into force on 17 January 2026. Source: United Nations.
A Longstanding Commitment
As a natural cosmetic ingredients supplier, our approach to sustainability is ingrained in everything we do. We take a responsible approach to developing natural, traceable ingredients, supported by scientific research and innovation. We work closely with our suppliers and consider them our knowledge partners in developing transparent, sustainable and short-chain supply logistics for our ingredients.
The biodiversity and climate stability that healthy oceans provide are the same systems that make responsible, nature-derived ingredient sourcing possible in the first place. By investing in protecting the High Seas, we’re also investing in conditions that sustainable cosmetic ingredients depend on.
Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are core principles that shape how we source ingredients and grow Oat Cosmetics. Being a WWF Guardian is a natural extension of the positive impact we endeavour to make.
Industry Impacts and the Rise of Blue Beauty
At in-cosmetics Global 2026, one of the emerging industry trends was the resurgence of Blue Beauty. Blue Beauty – and wider Blue Economy – signals a movement prioritising ‘the responsible use of ocean resources while promoting marine conservation, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability’ (Covalo. 2025).
For example, Blue Beauty inspired formulations may include waterless formats or concentrated refills, ingredients chosen for ecosystem compatibility, or a broader commitment to the health of marine environments throughout a product’s lifecycle.
At Oat Cosmetics, our focus has always been on sustainable processes, with ingredients that represent the pinnacle of responsible design. That ethos, and our ongoing commitment to causes like WWF’s High Seas Guardian’s appeal, reflects the same underlying conviction that Blue Beauty is now bringing to the forefront of the cosmetics and personal care industry.
Our Promise
Five years on, we’re proud to continue to honour our dedication to environmental sustainability through initiatives such as the WWF Guardians. The scale of what the High Hopes for High Seas campaign is working to achieve is a reminder of why consistent, purposeful action matters more than singular gestures.
We’re grateful to our customers for your trust, which allows us to show up for the causes that align with what we believe in. That ongoing attention, investment and care is something we’re committed to giving back.
At Oat Cosmetics, we believe that protecting our planet and providing the best for our customers go hand in hand, and are central to delivering our promise to develop and supply natural cosmetic ingredients of the highest standard.
To follow our sustainability journey and initiatives, including our ongoing partnership with WWF, read our CSR Report, connect with us on LinkedIn, or subscribe to our newsletter below.
If you would like to speak to our experts about our products and services, get in touch.
