Beauty Industry's Plastic Waste: A Growing Environmental Concern

The beauty industry is a major global polluter, producing an estimated 120 billion units of packaging waste every year, 95% of which is thrown out after one use. The environmental fallout of this waste is huge, with 70% ending up in landfills and contributing to the 14 million tons of microplastics in our oceans, drinking water, and food supply. The plastic explosion of the mid-20th century, led by an American cosmetic chemist, Jules Montenier, who packaged the first cosmetic product in a squeeze bottle composed of polyethylene, was the beginning of the industry's affinity for plastic packaging. Today, the beauty industry's plastic problem is exacerbated by its heavy reliance on plastic packaging, with 90% of plastic not being recycled. This has led to a growing awareness of the far-reaching effects of beauty rituals on the environment and a shift in consumer behaviour, with sustainability becoming a priority for many beauty lovers.

Plastic packaging waste

The consequences of this plastic waste are far-reaching. Only a small percentage of plastic waste is recycled, and the recycling process itself can lead to environmental injustice through offshoring plastic waste to developing countries. Additionally, plastic waste breaks down into microplastics, which contaminate our oceans, drinking water, and food supply. The production and disposal of cosmetic products also harm wildlife.

There is a growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging, and brands are responding. Some companies, like Lush, have redesigned their products to eliminate plastic packaging entirely, offering solid shampoo bars instead of liquid shampoo in plastic bottles. Other companies are providing refills for long-lasting containers or using glass or alternative bio-sourced plastics as primary packaging. Unilever and L'Oréal have set a goal to make all their plastic packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.

To reduce their environmental impact, beauty brands can measure their plastic and carbon footprint and communicate their sustainability efforts to consumers. They can also offer recycling or refill schemes and improve ingredient sourcing to ensure ethical and sustainable practices. By addressing the plastic packaging waste issue, the beauty industry can play a crucial role in tackling the climate crisis, as 99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels.

Non-recyclable materials

The beauty industry's plastic waste problem is largely attributed to its heavy reliance on non-recyclable materials. This includes the ubiquitous use of plastic packaging, which accounts for 70% of the industry's waste. In the US alone, almost 7.9 billion units of rigid plastic are generated annually for beauty and personal care products, with similar patterns observed in other regions. The issue is further exacerbated by the fact that only a small fraction of this plastic waste is recycled, estimated at a meagre 9% globally.

The non-recyclable nature of beauty product packaging stems from several factors. Firstly, the design of tubes and dispensers can be intricate and challenging to clean, making it difficult to recycle their plastic components effectively. Secondly, the plastic used in this industry often consists of multiple layers or components, each made from different types of plastic. This complexity hinders the recycling process, as these various plastics may be hard or impossible to recycle. For example, deodorant packaging typically involves multiple tiny components, each made from distinct plastics, posing a significant recycling hurdle.

Microplastics, a significant contributor to environmental pollution, are often found in beauty products and their packaging. These tiny plastic particles can result from the breakdown of packaging over time or be intentionally added as ingredients, such as microbeads and glitter. Conventional glitter, for instance, is made from a combination of aluminium and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), contributing to the microplastic pollution in our waterways and oceans.

While recycling efforts are important, the focus should also be on reducing plastic usage in the first place. This involves embracing sustainable practices, such as biodegradable packaging, organic ingredients, and transparency in sustainability initiatives. Some companies are making strides in this direction, offering package-free or no-plastic packaging options, while others are exploring solid product formats that require less or no plastic packaging. Additionally, consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable alternatives, with 64% considering sustainability as a crucial factor when purchasing beauty products.

To address the issue of non-recyclable materials in the beauty industry, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Companies must measure their plastic consumption and carbon footprint, adopt eco-friendly packaging, and explore alternatives to single-use plastic, such as organic materials or refillable glass bottles. By embracing sustainability at the core of their values, beauty brands can contribute to mitigating their environmental impact.

Microplastics in products

The use of plastic in the beauty industry is a significant contributor to global pollution. The industry produces more than 120 billion units of packaging annually, with 95% of this waste ending up in landfills after a single use. This waste includes the 1 billion lipstick tubes thrown out each year, as well as 400 million single-use silicone moulds.

Microplastics, which are small plastic particles smaller than 5mm, are commonly found in cosmetic and personal care products. These particles are often unnoticeable, flowing straight from bathroom drains into the sewer system and, eventually, our oceans. Wastewater treatment plants are often ill-equipped to filter out these microplastics, which can also end up in our drinking water and food supply.

The use of microplastics in products is a design error, as they are not necessary for quality cosmetics. They are often used to fill products at a low cost, with the cosmetic industry taking advantage of plastic's durability and disposability. However, this comes at a great cost to the environment, with plastic waste closely tied to climate change.

To combat this issue, consumers can use apps such as Beat the Microbead to identify products containing microplastics and choose alternative options. Several brands are also stepping up, with 150 brands earning the 'Zero Plastic Inside' logo for producing microplastic-free products. Additionally, companies like Lush have redesigned their products, offering shampoo bars that require no plastic packaging.

Consumer demand for sustainability

The beauty industry's heavy reliance on plastics and opaque transparency practices make it a major global polluter. The industry produces more than 120 billion units of packaging annually, 95% of which is thrown out after one use, with only 14% of it being recycled. The plastic waste produced by the beauty industry is closely tied to climate change, as 99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels. This has led to a growing consumer preference for sustainable products, with 64% of surveyed consumers saying sustainability is very important when considering beauty products.

In response to this growing consumer demand, beauty brands are reevaluating their practices and adopting more sustainable packaging and ingredient sourcing. Some companies are redesigning their products to eliminate plastic packaging altogether, such as Lush, which offers solid shampoo bars instead of liquid shampoos in plastic bottles. Other companies are introducing recycling or refill schemes to reduce waste. For example, Lumson has launched a 15 and 30 ml glass bottle featuring an airless refill system that uses pouch technology.

In addition to packaging, consumers are also demanding sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. They are increasingly aware of the health and environmental implications of synthetic additives and are seeking out natural, non-toxic alternatives. This demand for sustainable ingredients is driving innovation in product development, with brands emphasizing sustainability throughout their supply chains.

Retailers and governments also play a crucial role in promoting sustainable beauty. Major retailers like Sephora and Ulta are updating their product badges to reflect sustainability attributes, while governments are introducing legislation to enforce more eco-friendly practices. These actions are essential in guiding the industry towards a more sustainable future and helping consumers make informed choices.

Brands' sustainability efforts

The beauty industry has an immense environmental impact, with plastic waste being one of its biggest challenges. It is estimated that the industry produces at least 120 billion units of packaging each year, with 70% ending up in landfills. This waste contributes to global plastic pollution, the depletion of natural resources, and the emission of greenhouse gases.

Many brands are now recognizing the need to reduce their environmental footprint and are embracing more sustainable practices. Here are some of the key efforts being made by brands to become more sustainable:

• Reducing Plastic Packaging: Some brands are actively working to reduce their plastic consumption and carbon footprint. They are exploring alternative packaging materials such as glass, paper, recycled plastic, and biodegradable options. For example, Zerra & Co. offers makeup and skincare essentials with little to no plastic packaging.
• Recycling and Refill Schemes: Several brands have introduced recycling programs, encouraging customers to send back their packaging for recycling. Others are offering refill services, where consumers can refill their products in reusable containers, reducing the need for new materials and lowering transport emissions. Examples include Unilever's Love, Beauty and Planet brand and Wild, the world's first zero-plastic refill deodorant.
• Sustainable Ingredients: Brands are also focusing on improving the sustainability of their ingredients. This includes exploring organic and ethically sourced alternatives, as well as reducing the use of natural resources like palm oil, which can have negative environmental impacts.
• Transparency and Education: Some companies are not only embracing sustainable practices but also being transparent about their efforts. They are communicating their sustainability narratives and helping educate consumers on how to properly dispose of and recycle packaging.
• Design Innovations: To make plastic-free alternatives more appealing, brands are designing bespoke containers for their refillable models. By using higher-quality materials and creating elevated designs, they are positioning these alternatives as premium and desirable options.
• Closed-Loop Systems: Some cosmetic producers are exploring ways to contribute to a closed-loop circular economy. This includes using compostable materials that can be broken down at the end of their life, reducing waste and creating new soil to support soil health.
• Measuring and Reducing Consumption: A critical step towards sustainability is measuring plastic consumption and carbon footprint. By understanding their environmental impact, brands can then work to reduce it. This includes analyzing existing practices, manufacturing processes, and transportation methods to identify areas for improvement.

While greenwashing is a concern, with some brands merely marketing eco-friendliness without substantive changes, many companies are making genuine efforts to reduce their environmental impact. These efforts are being driven not only by a sense of responsibility but also by consumer demand, as an increasing number of consumers are prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

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