Omar Khalid
The beauty industry is a major contributor to plastic waste, with an estimated 120 billion units of plastic packaging waste generated annually. While plastic packaging can protect products during transit and prolong their shelf life, the environmental consequences of plastic pollution are well-known. To reduce plastic pollution, consumers can adopt more sustainable habits, such as opting for refillable products, buying in bulk, supporting brands with eco-friendly initiatives, and recycling or reusing packaging. Additionally, brands must go beyond surface-level green initiatives and implement meaningful changes, such as reducing ingredient waste, using alternative packaging materials, and embracing circular models. Together, consumers and brands can significantly reduce plastic waste in the beauty industry and contribute to a greener future.
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What You'll Learn
Refillable products and plastic alternatives
A growing number of brands are embracing the refillable model, with companies like Wild, Kjaer Weis, and La Bouche Rouge offering innovative plastic-free and refillable packaging solutions. For example, Wild has designed a deodorant case made from aluminium and post-consumer recycled plastic, along with home-compostable paper pulp-based refills. Kjaer Weis features an elegant line of refillable makeup and skincare, with the case and refill sold separately. La Bouche Rouge, a French makeup brand, utilises 100% refillable, recyclable, and plastic-free packaging.
In addition to these pioneers, other brands are making strides towards sustainability. Glossier, Kiehl's, Ouai, and Meow Meow Tweet offer refillable options, with the latter allowing shoppers to buy products in larger sizes that can be mailed back for sterilisation and reuse. Sappho offers refillable eyeshadow, blush, foundation, and mascara powders, with refills arriving in plastic-free envelopes. Plaine Products provides hair and body care in aluminium bottles that can be recycled or returned to the company for reuse.
Some brands are also incentivising consumers to embrace refillable options. Beauty Kitchen offers loyalty points for returning empty packaging, while Lush provides a free face mask for returning five black, recyclable pots. Maybelline has collection points in several stores for makeup products of any brand, and MAC offers a free lipstick for returning six primary packaging containers.
While the refillable market is growing, simplifying the process and offering better schemes for removing plastic packaging are crucial. Beauty brands must also ensure that their supply chain partners are committed to cutting out plastic waste and explore alternatives to plastic packaging, such as bi-product materials, compostables, or removing packaging altogether.
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Recycle and reuse schemes
Recycling and reusing beauty products is an effective way to reduce plastic waste. Many brands are now offering recycling programs and take-back schemes to help consumers recycle their beauty products. These schemes are often free and easy to use, with some brands even offering incentives such as loyalty points or discounts.
One popular recycling platform is TerraCycle, which partners with over 140 brands to help recycle pre-consumer and post-consumer waste. Cosmetic and beauty brands such as Bliss, Burt's Bees, and Farmacy work with TerraCycle to offer recycling programs for their customers. These programs allow consumers to mail back their empty beauty containers, including bottles, tubs, tubes, aerosols, pumps, and flexible plastic. TerraCycle then cleans and sorts the empties to be recycled into raw materials for future products.
In addition to TerraCycle, many beauty brands have their own recycling and take-back schemes. For example, Cloud Nine offers a free iron recycling service for hair straighteners, regardless of the brand or where they were purchased. Similarly, Colgate has a recycling program for oral care products, including old toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and dental floss containers.
Some brands are also encouraging the reuse of their products through refillable models and packaging returns. For instance, Wild offers a zero-plastic refill deodorant, with an aluminium case and compostable refills. Beauty Kitchen provides free loyalty points to customers who return their empty packaging to Holland & Barrett stores, and Lush offers a free face mask in exchange for returning five of their black, recyclable pots.
Take-back schemes are also being offered by high street stores such as Boots, Holland & Barrett, and Superdrug, in partnership with the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA). These schemes allow consumers to return beauty and grooming packaging that is not accepted by regular household recycling services.
Overall, there are numerous recycle and reuse schemes available to help reduce plastic waste from beauty products. These schemes are easily accessible and often provide incentives for consumers to participate. By utilising these programs, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainability within the beauty industry.
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Reduce packaging waste
The beauty industry is responsible for creating 120 billion units of plastic packaging waste every year. While plastic packaging can provide a protective barrier to ensure products are delivered safely and hygienically, it is important to reduce over-packaging where it is not necessary.
One way to reduce packaging waste is to switch to refillable products. A growing number of brands are offering refills for their products, which can be used again and again, reducing the need for new materials and lowering transport costs and CO2 emissions. For example, Wild, the world's first zero-plastic refill deodorant, uses a case made from aluminium and post-consumer recycled plastic, combined with paper pulp-based refills that are home compostable. Beauty Kitchen also offers refills for their products, with free loyalty card points when you return empty packaging.
Another way to reduce packaging waste is to buy products in larger containers. For example, in 2022, sales of supersized beauty products in the UK increased by 23% compared to the previous year. Buying in bulk means there is less packaging wasted, as products can be used for longer and customers require fewer orders and deliveries, reducing carbon emissions during shipping.
Some brands are also reducing packaging waste by removing packaging altogether or using compostable materials. For example, Elate Clean Cosmetics uses minimal packaging for its eyeshadow, which comes in an envelope made of seed paper that can be planted to grow herbs and wildflowers.
Finally, recycling programmes are an important way to reduce packaging waste. Many brands, such as Colgate, offer recycling programmes for their used products, and some retailers, like Boots, have introduced recycling schemes for beauty products from any brand.
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Sustainable sourcing and ingredients
Sustainable sourcing and ingredient practices in the beauty industry are becoming increasingly important to consumers. A growing awareness of the environmental impact of plastic waste has led to a demand for environmentally sustainable, safe cosmetics. This shift in consumer behaviour has prompted beauty brands to re-evaluate their sourcing and ingredient choices.
Sustainable Sourcing Strategies
Beauty brands are adopting various strategies to source ingredients sustainably. One approach is to partner with suppliers who prioritise environmental preservation. This involves considering the broader impact of ingredient sourcing, including water conservation, waste reduction, and renewable energy use.
Upcycling is another popular strategy, where suppliers utilise by-products or waste streams from food and beverage production to create functional beauty ingredients. This reduces waste and strengthens the connection between the beauty industry and the food and beverage sector.
Local sourcing is also important for reducing the carbon footprint associated with ingredient transportation. Additionally, advancements in biotechnology and green chemistry enable the production of high-purity, degradable ingredients using less energy and creating less waste.
Sustainable Ingredients
The beauty industry is witnessing a shift towards natural, eco-friendly ingredients. Brands are replacing synthetic ingredients with sustainable alternatives, such as vegetable oils or squalanes instead of petrochemical-derived emollients.
Plant-based sources, such as sunflower seed oil, provide a sustainable base for creating essential fatty acids, esters, surfactants, and emulsifiers. However, ingredient purity and the potential presence of by-products in plant sources are considerations when opting for these sustainable alternatives.
Consumer Engagement
While beauty brands are driving sustainability from within the industry, consumers also play a crucial role. Currently, under 24% of consumers use refillable products, but this market is growing. Consumers are increasingly expecting brands to offer schemes that reduce plastic packaging and provide refillable options.
Brands that embrace transparency about their plastic footprint and waste reduction efforts will likely gain consumer trust and loyalty. This includes sharing regular reports on the benefits of waste reduction and encouraging the adoption of refillable products or supersized packages to reduce packaging waste.
In summary, sustainable sourcing and ingredients in the beauty industry involve a holistic approach. It encompasses partnerships with environmentally conscious suppliers, innovative production techniques, natural ingredient choices, and consumer engagement. By adopting these strategies, the beauty industry can reduce its environmental impact and meet the evolving expectations of its consumers.
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Carbon-positive solutions
The beauty industry is a major contributor to plastic waste, with most of the packaging being non-recyclable. However, there are several carbon-positive solutions that can actively heal the planet while maintaining the level of luxury associated with beauty products.
Firstly, brands can adopt circular models that decouple consumption from environmental costs. This involves using recycled materials, such as aluminium and post-consumer recycled plastic, to create durable and refillable containers. For example, Wild, the world's first zero-plastic refill deodorant, uses an aluminium case and paper pulp-based refills, reducing plastic waste and lowering transport costs and CO2 emissions.
Secondly, beauty brands can offer products in larger containers, such as 1-litre or 2-litre sizes. This reduces packaging waste and carbon emissions during shipping as customers require fewer orders and deliveries. Additionally, brands can partner with transport companies to optimise packaging methods and increase truck capacity, further reducing waste and emissions.
Thirdly, companies can switch to alternative packaging materials like glass, bamboo, or seaweed. Glass, in particular, offers a luxurious feel and can be marketed as a reusable container, although it may increase shipping costs due to its weight. Organic packaging solutions made from bamboo or seaweed are also growing in popularity and can provide a sustainable alternative to plastic.
Lastly, brands can engage in plastic offsetting initiatives. For every purchase, cosmetic brands can invest in programmes that extract plastic from the environment, actively reducing ocean waste and demonstrating a sustainable commitment to their customers. This approach can be integrated into various e-commerce platforms, making it easier for businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices.
By implementing these carbon-positive solutions, beauty brands can play a crucial role in reducing plastic waste and creating a more sustainable future for the planet.
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Frequently asked questions
You can reduce plastic consumption by opting for products with less packaging, such as bar soap, shampoo bars, or deodorant in a glass jar. You can also choose to support brands that are transparent about their plastic footprint and committed to cutting out plastic waste.
Many brands partner with Terracycle to offer recycling programmes for used products. For example, you can recycle your old toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, dental floss containers, and electric and battery toothbrush heads through the Colgate Oral Care Recycling Programme. You can also return empty products to Boots, Holland & Barrett, and Lush to receive rewards.
Beauty brands can reduce plastic waste by offering refillable products, using recycled materials, and providing supersized packages. They can also switch to compostable or biodegradable packaging and remove packaging where possible.
Some plastic-free beauty brands include Superzero, Elate Clean Cosmetics, and Meow Meow Tweet. These brands offer bar soap, bamboo packaging, and glass jars as alternatives to plastic.
