Shampoo's Plastic Problem: How Much Is Too Much?

Plastic is everywhere in our bathrooms, from our shampoo bottles to our toothbrushes. Shampoos and conditioners were early adopters of new plastic containers, and in the US alone, 550 million empty shampoo bottles are thrown away each year. This number does not include conditioner, body wash, or other bathing products. The average American uses 11 bottles of shampoo a year, and these large, bulky plastic containers contribute significantly to household waste. The global hair care market is estimated to be worth around $92 billion, with shampoo as the major contributor. This generates a huge amount of plastic waste, and only a fraction of these bottles are recycled. The plastic in shampoo bottles is typically HDPE, PET, or PP, chosen for their durability and resistance to chemicals. Aside from the plastic packaging, many shampoos also contain microplastics, which are any piece of plastic under 5mm in size. These microplastics can be harmful to the environment and human health, and can even be found in natural alternatives such as soap.

Plastic shampoo bottles are thrown away and rarely recycled

Plastic shampoo bottles are a significant contributor to household waste. In the United States alone, 550 million empty shampoo bottles are thrown away each year, with the average American using 11 bottles annually. This figure does not even include conditioner, body wash, or other bathing products. The problem is further compounded by the fact that only a fraction of these bottles are recycled, as most end up directly in rubbish bins.

The issue of plastic waste is not unique to the United States. Worldwide, there are 1.4 billion disposable body wash bottles consumed annually, and this number is expected to increase as the global population grows. According to the 2016 Euromonitor census data, only 50% of all plastic bottles are collected for recycling, and only 7% of those bottles are actually recycled into new bottles. This means that even when consumers make an effort to dispose of plastic bottles properly, they often end up in the same place as trash.

The use of plastic in shampoo bottles has been driven by the rising demand in the personal care market and changes in bathing habits. Shampoos, which were previously sold as bars or in glass jars or tins, shifted to being "conveniently" delivered in plastic containers. This change laid the groundwork for the plastic waste problem we face today.

To address this issue, consumers can opt for plastic-free shampoo options, such as shampoo bars or refillable shampoo containers. Refillable shampoo and conditioners are eco-friendly, natural cosmetics that are designed for the circular economy. Consumers buy these products, and when they finish the content, they send back the containers to the manufacturer to be cleaned, sanitized, and refilled. Some brands also sell ""forever bottles" and work with refill plastic pouches that can be sent back to be refilled, creating zero waste.

Additionally, consumers can be more mindful of the plastic ingredients in their bathroom products. Microplastics, which are any piece of plastic under 5 mm in size, are often hidden in shampoos and other personal care products. These microplastics are not biodegradable and can cause serious issues in the marine environment. By using the "Beat the Microbead" app or looking for common plastic ingredients, consumers can make more sustainable choices and reduce their plastic footprint.

Shampoo bottles are made from multiple plastics, making recycling complex

Shampoo bottles have become a significant contributor to household waste. In the United States alone, 550 million empty shampoo bottles are thrown away each year, and this number does not even include conditioner, body wash, or other bathing products. The average American uses 11 bottles of shampoo a year, and these large, bulky plastic containers are a major source of waste for many households.

The problem is compounded by the fact that only a fraction of these bottles are recycled. Most end up directly in rubbish bins because most people do not keep separate recycling bins in their bathrooms. While some people may feel better about throwing plastic bottles into a sorting container, the sad reality is that many of these products often end up in the same place as general waste. A 2016 Euromonitor census revealed that only 50% of all plastic bottles are collected for recycling, and only 7% of those bottles are actually recycled into new bottles.

The complexity of recycling shampoo bottles lies in the fact that they are often made from multiple types of plastics. The body of a shampoo bottle is typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for its impact resistance, water impermeability, and flexibility. HDPE bottles can be translucent or opaque, and they are often pigmented with different colors to make them attractive to consumers. However, the caps and closures of shampoo bottles are sometimes made from different plastics, such as polypropylene (PP), which is rigid and has a high melting point, making it suitable for hot-fill applications.

The use of different plastics in the cap, body, and label of a shampoo bottle makes recycling more complex. To improve recyclability, it is recommended that a single material, such as HDPE, be used for the entire bottle, including the body, cap, and label. This would simplify the recycling process and reduce the environmental impact of shampoo bottles. Some manufacturers are already adopting this approach and using recyclable materials to reduce their environmental impact.

Shampoo often contains microplastics, which can be harmful to humans and the environment

Shampoos often come in plastic bottles, but the plastic doesn't stop there. Many shampoos also contain microplastics, which are any piece of plastic smaller than 5mm. These microplastics are often referred to as 'microbeads' and can be found in a variety of personal care products, including shampoo, scrubs, cleansing balms, moisturisers, makeup, and hair spray.

The presence of microplastics in shampoo is concerning because they can be harmful to both humans and the environment. When released into the environment, microplastics can attract waterborne toxins and bacteria, which can be consumed by fish, amphibians, insects, larvae, and marine animals. This can lead to blocked digestive tracts and the entry of plastics into the food chain, potentially ending up on our dinner plates. The health impact of microplastics on humans is not yet fully understood, but it is a growing area of concern that requires further research.

To identify if your shampoo contains microplastics, you can scan the product using the "Beat the Microbead" app or look for common plastic ingredients such as polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP). By choosing plastic-free alternatives, you can help reduce the amount of microplastics entering the ocean through personal care products.

Fortunately, there is a growing number of zero-waste and plastic-free shampoo options available. These include solid shampoo bars, refillable shampoo containers, and natural cosmetics designed for the circular economy. By choosing these sustainable alternatives, you can reduce your plastic waste, lower your carbon footprint, and contribute to a healthier environment.

Plastic-free shampoo bars are available, reducing plastic waste

Shampoo and conditioner are a major contributor to the world's plastic waste problem. In the US alone, 550 million empty shampoo bottles are thrown away each year, and only a fraction of these are recycled. The average American uses 11 bottles of shampoo annually, and these large, bulky plastic containers significantly contribute to household waste. The global hair care market is estimated to be worth around $92 billion, with shampoo as the major contributor. This means that a huge number of plastic shampoo bottles are being produced and sold each year, and the plastic waste generated by these products is having a detrimental impact on the environment.

The problem is not just limited to plastic bottles, as many shampoos also contain microplastics, commonly referred to as 'microbeads'. These tiny pieces of plastic are often found in cosmetic and personal care products, including shampoo, and can be harmful to both the environment and human health. When washed down the drain, microplastics can pollute waterways and oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. Additionally, when products containing microplastics are heated up, such as with styling tools, the plastic can melt and be inhaled, potentially causing damage to the lungs.

To reduce plastic waste, more and more people are turning to plastic-free shampoo bars. These solid shampoos last longer than their liquid counterparts and require less packaging, making them a more environmentally-friendly option. Several brands offer shampoo bars, including Ethique, etee, Lush Cosmetics, and HiBAR, with some wrapped in recyclable paper and others with no packaging at all. These shampoo bars are also free from other petrochemicals and harmful ingredients, such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, offering a more natural and sustainable alternative to traditional shampoos.

In addition to shampoo bars, there are other ways to reduce plastic waste in your hair care routine. Some companies offer refillable shampoo and conditioner products, allowing consumers to return their empty bottles to be cleaned, sanitised, and refilled. Others provide natural alternatives, such as washing hair with baking soda, vinegar, or soap nuts, or the option to make your own shampoo and conditioner using natural ingredients. By embracing these plastic-free and zero-waste options, individuals can play a part in reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Plastic packaging can be reduced by using refillable bottles or pouches

Shampoos and conditioners are a major contributor to the world's plastic waste problem. In the United States alone, 550 million empty shampoo bottles are thrown away each year, and this number does not even include conditioner bottles, body wash, or other bathing products. The average American uses 11 bottles of shampoo a year, and these large, bulky plastic containers contribute significantly to household waste. The global hair care market is estimated to be worth around $92 billion, with shampoo as the major contributor, and around 100 billion bottles of shampoo were produced in 2016, with an estimated growth rate of 2% per year.

The shift from bars or glass jars to plastic containers has laid the groundwork for the issues we now face. The majority of shampoos are mostly water, with only about 10% being actual product, and this change to liquid shampoo has created the need for plastic containers. Shampoo bottles are typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), both of which are recyclable. However, only a fraction of these bottles are recycled, with most ending up directly in the trash.

To reduce plastic packaging waste, consumers can opt for refillable bottles or pouches. Refillable shampoo and conditioners are eco-friendly, natural cosmetics that are designed for the circular economy as they are closed-loop and avoid waste. Consumers buy these products, and when they finish the content, they send back the containers to the manufacturer to be cleaned, sanitized, and refilled with new products. Some brands sell a "forever bottle" and work with refill plastic pouches that can be sent back to be refilled, creating zero waste.

Using flexible packaging, such as pouches, instead of rigid bottles can reduce the environmental impact by reducing the amount of plastic used in the manufacturing of the package. However, it is important to note that the recyclability of pouches is much lower than that of bottles, and the recycling market for these materials is poor. Therefore, while flexible packaging can reduce plastic waste, it is important to also improve the recycling process for these materials.

In addition to refillable bottles and pouches, consumers can also opt for solid shampoo bars, which eliminate the need for plastic packaging altogether. These bars are often made with natural ingredients and are free from harmful chemicals, providing an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional shampoos.

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