4 MIN READ
3-6-2025
How Cosmetics Brands Are Rethinking Packaging to Eliminate Plastic Waste
Alex Schulze , CEO/Co-Founder
How Cosmetics Brands Are Rethinking Packaging to Eliminate Plastic Waste
The use of plastic packaging in the cosmetics sector has long been a source of criticism. The cosmetics industry has made a substantial contribution to the expanding global plastic waste issue, from single-use bottles to complex plastic containers. However, cosmetics companies are starting to rethink packaging and implement more sustainable procedures as environmental concerns escalate. Many firms are making ambitious moves to eradicate plastic waste in response to consumer demand for eco-friendly products and growing pressure to lessen their environmental impact. This article examines the ways in which cosmetics companies are reevaluating packaging in order to develop more environmentally friendly options.
The Environmental Impact of Plastic in Cosmetics
The amount of plastic garbage generated by the cosmetics business is astounding. An estimated 120 billion plastic packaging units are created annually by the worldwide cosmetics sector, according to a Zero Waste Week report. Because of the materials used in their manufacture or the absence of recycling infrastructure, a large portion of this packaging is single-use, such as plastic bottles, jars, and tubes, which are frequently not recyclable. Plastic frequently winds up in landfills or the ocean, and recycling can be an energy-intensive operation.
In recent years, the environmental impact of this plastic trash has been increasingly noticeable, especially as awareness of marine pollution has grown. Plastics can take hundreds of years to break down, and when they build up in oceans, they endanger species. Cosmetics manufacturers are reassessing their packaging plans and creating substitutes in response to this dilemma in an effort to cut down on the quantity of plastic that ends up in the trash.
Innovations in Sustainable Cosmetics Packaging
Leading the way in redesigning packaging to cut down on plastic waste are a number of cosmetics companies. A combination of innovative materials, redesigned packaging, and more environmentally friendly production methods are all part of these advancements.
1. Compostable and Biodegradable Materials
Biodegradable and compostable materials are among the most promising substitutes for plastic in cosmetics packaging. These substances don't cause persistent pollution because they decompose organically over time. Companies like Lush have embraced biodegradable packaging for their goods, such as wrapping soaps and bath items with plant-based components and recycled paper.
Another illustration is the cosmetics company Ethique, which makes bars of solid shampoo and conditioner without the use of plastic packaging. The bars provide an environmentally beneficial substitute for conventional liquid shampoos, which are frequently packaged in plastic bottles, because they are made of biodegradable cardboard.
Some businesses are experimenting with bioplastics, or plant-based plastics, which are derived from renewable resources like sugarcane or corn. These plastics are more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based ones since they may, in some cases, be composted or biodegraded.
2. Reusable and refillable containers
In the cosmetics sector, refillable packaging is growing in popularity as a more environmentally friendly method of lowering plastic usage. Instead of throwing the entire container into the trash, brands are creating items with reusable containers that can be filled again when the product runs out.
One company that has included refill stations in its stores is The Body Shop, which enables customers to replenish their bottles with shampoo, body lotion, and other items. This program encourages customers to reuse their containers and lessens the need for new plastic bottles.
Additionally, L'Occitane has embraced reusable packaging by providing refill bags for their well-known items, such as shampoos and hand creams. Because consumers can simply reuse the original container, these pouches use less material during production and contribute to a reduction in plastic waste.
3. Alternatives to Glass and Aluminum
Aluminum and glass are more costly and heavier to make than plastic, but they can be recycled endlessly and used repeatedly. These materials are being used by numerous cosmetics companies to package their goods in a more environmentally friendly manner.
For instance, RMS Beauty packages its makeup, such as face creams and lipsticks, in glass vials. Because glass can be recycled indefinitely and does not release toxins into products, it is the perfect material for packaging. Another cosmetics company, Kjaer Weis, has started using reusable metal compacts for their goods. There is no need for throwaway plastic packaging because these compacts may be filled again.
Another substance that is becoming more popular in the cosmetics business is aluminum, especially for items like sprays, lip balms, and deodorants. Other beauty firms, such as Herbivore Botanicals, employ aluminum bottles for their body mists and sprays, and Schmidt's Naturals sells deodorants in aluminum packaging. Aluminum is a good substitute for plastic in many cosmetics goods since it is strong, lightweight, and highly recyclable.
4. Design of Minimalist Packaging
Many firms are adopting minimalist packaging designs in addition to altering the materials used for packaging. Brands may use less material and create more sustainable packaging by simplifying the design of their packaging by getting rid of extra layers and decorations.
For instance, companies like Aveda have reduced the use of superfluous elements like printed plastic labels and outer plastic wraps by switching to simple, recyclable packaging for their shampoos and conditioners. These simple designs appeal to eco-conscious customers who value a simple, streamlined look and make it simpler to recycle the packaging.
Consumer Engagement and Education
Many cosmetics companies are investing in consumer education in addition to packaging innovations to encourage consumers to make more environmentally friendly decisions. One of the most important ways to reduce waste is to teach consumers how to properly dispose of packaging and to encourage them to return used packaging for recycling or refilling.
For instance, Sephora now has a "green beauty" area in its stores with sustainable packaging and eco-friendly items. In addition to giving consumers more sustainable options when they buy for cosmetics, this program helps increase consumer awareness.
In order to guarantee that their packaging is recyclable or composed of recycled materials, some firms are now working with other groups. The parent company of Dove and Axe, Unilever, has pledged to use only recyclable plastic packaging by 2025 and is collaborating with recycling partners to enhance the mechanisms required to achieve this goal.
The Future of Cosmetics Packaging
Although it is still in its infancy, the trend toward more environmentally friendly packaging is gaining traction. The cosmetics sector is expected to keep innovating in ways that promote sustainability due to growing customer demand for eco-friendly goods and regulatory pressure. The future of cosmetics packaging is definitely shifting toward a more sustainable form that lowers plastic waste and promotes the circular economy, whether that is achieved through the use of glass and aluminum, biodegradable materials, or refillable systems.
Customers will be crucial in bringing about change in the industry as it develops by supporting sustainable products and making thoughtful purchases. An important step in the global drive to lessen plastic pollution and safeguard the environment is the cosmetics industry's move toward plastic waste elimination.
Sources:
1. Zero Waste Week, "The Impact of Packaging Waste in the Beauty Industry," Zero Waste Week, 2021.
2. Lush, "Eco-Friendly Packaging: Lush and the Fight Against Plastic," Lush, 2022.
3. Ethical Consumer, "Cosmetics and Sustainable Packaging: Brands Leading the Change," Ethical Consumer, 2023.
4. The Body Shop, "Refillable Packaging Initiative," The Body Shop, 2022.
5. Unilever, "Unilever’s Sustainability Goals for Packaging," Unilever, 2021.