Sofia Martinez
The beauty industry has long been criticized for its use of plastic packaging, which accounts for 70% of its waste. While some brands have started to address this issue, the reality is that most makeup packaging is too small to be recycled and will end up in landfills or the ocean. A small but growing number of makeup brands are challenging the status quo by offering compostable, recyclable, or refillable packaging. However, the term biodegradable is not a guarantee of environmental friendliness, and alternative materials may contain additives that cause more harm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic packaging in the beauty industry | 65.62 billion units in 2010, 76.8 billion units in 2017 |
| Recyclable plastic packaging | L'Oréal and its peers are pledging to increase the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic |
| Biodegradable plastic packaging | L'Oréal and its peers are pledging to switch to biodegradable materials |
| Compostable plastic packaging | Kjaer Weis, Zerra & Co, Soué, 100% Pure, Origins |
| Refillable packaging | Alima Pure, Kjaer Weis, Green Tree Beauty, Origins |
| Recyclable packaging | Alima Pure, 100% Pure, Origins |
| Recycled packaging | Loli, 100% Pure, Origins |
| Zero-waste packaging | Zerra & Co, 100% Pure, Kjaer Weis, Trestique |
| Eco-friendly packaging | Zerra & Co, 100% Pure, Kjaer Weis, Origins |
| Sustainable packaging | Estée Lauder, Aveda, Origins, 100% Pure |
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What You'll Learn
- Makeup brands are increasingly listening to consumers' demands for sustainable packaging
- Some companies are opting for recycled glass, cardboard, and metal packaging
- Biodegradable plastic packaging is not a cure-all solution for the beauty industry
- Compostable packaging is a better alternative to biodegradable plastic
- Some brands are reducing packaging waste by offering refills and accepting old containers for recycling
Makeup brands are increasingly listening to consumers' demands for sustainable packaging
The beauty industry has long been criticized for its use of plastic packaging, which accounts for about 70% of its waste. However, makeup brands are increasingly listening to consumers' demands for sustainable packaging and are taking steps to address the issue.
Many companies are now adopting strategies to reduce their dependence on plastic packaging. For example, some brands are switching to alternative materials such as glass, cardboard, metal, and stone. Others are focusing on minimizing packaging or using biodegradable or compostable materials. Some brands are also encouraging recycling by accepting old containers for recycling or offering incentives for returning empty products.
A few notable examples include Loli, which uses glass jars and vials with compostable labels and bags, and Soué, an Australian brand that puts its vegan and cruelty-free products in compostable cardboard tubes and glass jars with metal lids. Beauty Kubes sells boxes of tiny cubes that can be crumbled and mixed with water, eliminating the need for plastic containers. Alima Pure offers refills for its concealer, foundations, and eyeshadow, reducing the need for additional packaging.
Larger companies are also taking action. Estée Lauder, which owns 26 well-known brands, has developed sustainability strategies and uses life cycle analysis software to monitor the environmental impacts of its packaging and design choices. L'Oréal and Origins are also committing to ensuring that a significant portion of their packaging is recyclable, refillable, reusable, recycled, or recoverable.
While the beauty industry still has a long way to go in terms of sustainability, it is encouraging to see that an increasing number of makeup brands are listening to consumers' demands for eco-friendly packaging and are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact.
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Some companies are opting for recycled glass, cardboard, and metal packaging
The beauty industry has a long way to go in terms of plastic packaging, but some companies are taking steps in the right direction by opting for recycled glass, cardboard, and metal packaging. One such company is Loli, which offers facial oils, moisturisers, and cleansers in glass jars and vials, with compostable labels, bags, and boxes. Loli's products are also 100% waterless, which sets them apart from most beauty products, which are typically 70-80% water.
Another brand that uses eco-friendly packaging is Soué, an Australian, vegan, and cruelty-free company. Soué packages its products in compostable cardboard tubes and glass jars with metal lids. Even the labels are compostable, as they are made with water-based glue and vegetable ink, which can break down in a home compost bin. If a customer does not have a compost bin, they can reuse the tube as a seed planter or simply recycle it.
Some companies are also offering refills for their products, reducing the need for new packaging with every purchase. For example, a Canadian company, Green Tree Beauty, offers refillable bamboo compacts for foundation and blush and magnetic eyeshadow palettes. Similarly, Alima Pure provides refills for its concealer, foundation, and eyeshadow, which fit into a magnetized compartment. The refills from Alima Pure are shipped in recyclable geami paper instead of bubble wrap, further reducing plastic waste.
While glass containers can be heavier and more costly to ship, some companies are finding creative solutions, such as California-based Lilah B., which uses "signature stone compacts" that resemble white pebbles. Although the materials used in these compacts are unclear, the company does accept old containers for recycling and provides prepaid shipping labels, demonstrating a commitment to reducing waste.
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Biodegradable plastic packaging is not a cure-all solution for the beauty industry
Biodegradable plastic packaging is an appealing concept for the beauty industry, and it is certainly a step in the right direction towards sustainability. However, it is not a cure-all solution for the industry's waste problem.
Firstly, while the beauty industry is increasingly adopting biodegradable materials, the term "biodegradable" itself is problematic. Biodegradability is influenced by various factors, and simply labelling a package as "biodegradable" does not specify the timeline, conditions, safety, or degree of degradation. For instance, a package may be deemed "biodegradable" without clarifying the specific conditions required for decomposition. Furthermore, the presence of recycling symbols or the term "compostable" does not guarantee recyclability. Compostable certification only indicates that the material can break down in large municipal or industrial composting facilities, not in a home or community bin.
Secondly, there are concerns about the environmental impact of some biodegradable materials. Certain alternative materials can contain additives that may result in more environmental harm. For example, dark-coloured plastics, such as black, navy, or dark brown, are often unrecognizable by sorters in recycling facilities and end up in landfills. Additionally, bioplastics, which are derived from plant substances, can decompose into biomass, carbon dioxide, and water, but the process of creating these materials may have environmental implications that need to be considered.
Thirdly, the beauty industry's plastic waste problem is extensive and complex. A 2017 study found that the industry produced 65.62 billion plastic packaging units in 2010, which increased to 76.8 billion in 2017. This does not even include plastic accessories like application tools. While some brands are making efforts to reduce plastic packaging, such as offering refills or switching to glass or cardboard containers, these solutions come with their own challenges. For instance, glass containers add to shipping weight and cost, and recycled plastics are only a temporary solution that will eventually become waste.
Lastly, the concept of biodegradable packaging overlooks the broader issue of overconsumption. Even if packaging is biodegradable, its environmental impact is negated if the product inside is not sustainably produced or if the packaging is not properly disposed of. Therefore, while biodegradable packaging is a positive step, it does not address the root cause of the beauty industry's waste problem.
In conclusion, while biodegradable plastic packaging is a welcome trend in the beauty industry, it is not a panacea. The industry must continue to innovate and explore a range of sustainable solutions, including reducing plastic consumption, increasing recyclability, and adopting circular economy principles. Additionally, consumers must be educated on proper waste disposal and encouraged to make sustainable choices, recognizing that their purchasing decisions have a significant impact on the environment.
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Compostable packaging is a better alternative to biodegradable plastic
The terms "biodegradable" and "compostable" are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing. While all compostable products are biodegradable, not all biodegradable products are compostable. Biodegradable plastic is defined by its ability to break down completely into substances found in nature within a reasonable timeframe. However, this process does not always work as intended and can take centuries. Compostable plastic, on the other hand, is specifically designed and tested to be processed in either home or industrial composting facilities. These facilities enable specific conditions, like temperature and moisture, to turn the plastic into usable soil conditioners.
The key difference lies in the regulation and testing of these materials. The term "biodegradable" is not regulated, and there is no time limit for biodegradation or testing to ensure the product is free from dangerous toxins. As a result, biodegradable products may contaminate compost and should be disposed of in landfills. In contrast, products labeled as compostable must be tested to meet US industrial composting standards, which require them to biodegrade and disintegrate within 90 days without leaving any harmful residue. This testing includes a seed germination trial to ensure the resulting compost is not harmful to plant life.
The beauty industry has been criticized for its excessive use of plastic packaging, with an increase in plastic packaging units produced from 65.62 billion in 2010 to 76.8 billion in 2017. While some companies have pledged to reduce superfluous packaging or increase their use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, the industry is still largely reliant on single-use, hard-to-recycle plastics. However, a small but growing segment of the industry is seeking alternatives. For example, brands like Loli, Soué, and Zerra & Co. use compostable packaging, while Beauty Kubes and Alima Pure offer refills for their products to reduce waste.
In conclusion, compostable packaging is a better alternative to biodegradable plastic because it is specifically designed and tested to break down into nutrient-rich compost without releasing harmful toxins. It is also regulated by clear standards and certifications, ensuring that it meets specific requirements for disintegration and the absence of harmful residue. By choosing compostable packaging, consumers can make smarter purchasing decisions that align with their sustainability goals and contribute to a more circular economy.
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Some brands are reducing packaging waste by offering refills and accepting old containers for recycling
The beauty industry is increasingly conscious of its environmental impact and is taking steps to address its contribution to plastic waste. While some brands are switching to biodegradable packaging, others are reducing waste by offering refills and accepting old containers for recycling.
Lush, for example, has been praised for its commitment to container recycling. The brand's iconic black pots are easy to recycle, and the company offers a range of package-free products, such as bath bombs and lotion bars, that help cut down on waste. MAC Cosmetics' Back 2 MAC program also promotes circularity in packaging production, processing recyclable components into new materials or packaging.
Some brands are taking innovative approaches to reduce waste. Botnia, for instance, offers refillable serum bottles with aluminium packaging and compostable and recyclable boxes, eliminating plastic pumps. Susanne Kaufmann's nature-powered beauty line has launched 100% recyclable refill bottles for its bestselling cleansing products, reducing waste and cutting carbon emissions by 69%.
Other brands are incentivising customers to return their empties. 100% Pure Makeup offers a free trial-sized product after 10 empties are returned, and their packaging is made from post-consumer recycled glass, plastic, tin and paper. Zerra & Co uses recyclable and compostable materials for its shipping and offers liquid eyeliner in small glass jars that are perfect for upcycling.
While the beauty industry still has a long way to go, these brands are leading the way in reducing packaging waste and encouraging more sustainable practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Many makeup brands are making moves to address the issue of plastic packaging. Some brands are pledging to get rid of superfluous packaging, increase their use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, or switch to other materials. However, the term "biodegradable" doesn't mean much, as it doesn't qualify the timeline, conditions required, safety of the elements, or the degree of degradation.
Some makeup brands that use eco-friendly, sustainable, or biodegradable packaging include Loli, Soué, Alima Pure, 100% Pure, Kjaer Weis, Zerra & Co, and Origins.
Alternatives to plastic packaging in the beauty industry include glass, cardboard, metal, stone, and paper. Some brands also offer refillable packaging, where customers can purchase refills for their products and reuse the original packaging.
