Gone are the days when sustainability was only a buzzword; it’s a revolution that’s taken over industries, one of which is beauty. Consumers are slowly becoming more aware of the environmental footprint their purchases leave, and brands are rising to the challenge through innovative packaging methods. From reducing plastic waste to using recycled materials, these companies below are really making a dent in how beauty products are packaged and consumed.
In this post, we’ll explore the brands leading the charge in sustainable beauty packaging and how their efforts are helping to protect our planet.
Why Sustainable Packaging Matters
Most of the plastic usage is needed in the beauty industry, and most of it goes to landfills or oceans. It is estimated that over 120 billion units of packaging produced yearly by the cosmetic industry all over the world contribute to environmental pollution. Sustainable packaging aims at reducing this impact through the use of materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable.
By choosing only the products with environmentally friendly packaging, people can contribute a lot to reducing waste and actively promoting a healthier environment.
Leading Brands in Innovative Sustainable Beauty Packaging
1. Lush Cosmetics
Long before it was cool, Lush was leading the charge in the sustainable beauty movement. The brand is widely recognized for its “naked” packaging-solid products for things like shampoos, conditioners, and soaps that require no packaging whatsoever. When packaging is required, the company uses 100% recycled and recyclable materials. It also offers a take-back program in which customers can return empty containers for reuse or recycling.
2. Tata Harper
Tata Harper is committed to using sustainable, nontoxic ingredients, but this is not where the brand’s commitment to sustainability stops. The packaging has been developed as eco-friendly as possible, since glass bottles and jars are more easily recycled than plastic. Similarly, Tata Harper uses soy-based ink for the printing, which reduces environmental damage from their labels.
3. Axiology
Axiology is making lipstick packaging with a very forward-thinking approach. Its lipsticks come in recycled aluminum tubes and are packaged in boxes made from recycled paper. More impressively, the boxes are handcrafted by a women’s cooperative in Bali and represent a very sustainable livelihood coupled with reducing environmental impact.
4. Kjaer Weis
Kjaer Weis offers high-end beauty with an ultra-high commitment to sustainability. Sleek, refillable metal compacts house their products and are designed to be reused indefinitely. Refills are available in compostable paper, which radically reduces waste going into landfills. Not only does this model lighten the environmental footprint, but it also gives consumers an economically viable solution to enjoy high-end beauty.
5. Biossance
Biossance looks at sustainability as integral to its brand ethos and, thus, core to squalane-based skincare. Packaging is based on sugarcane bioplastic: renewable and biodegradable, an alternative to traditional plastic. Moreover, Biossance is way beyond carbon neutrality; outer cartons are fully recyclable, and inks are soy-based.
How You Can Support Sustainable Beauty As consumers, your purchasing decisions have the power to effect change. Here’s how you can support sustainable beauty packaging: Opt for brands with eco-friendly packaging: check the products whose packaging is made of recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable materials. Refilling with products: Companies that offer to refill other than reducing the waste usually have a more cost-effective solution in the longer term. Recycle through programs: Many beauty brands have take-back or recycling programs; avail yourself of these for the proper recycling of your beauty packaging. Reduce overall consumption: Perhaps the best waste-reducing tactic is buying only what’s needed. Consider pairing down your beauty routine to a few high-quality, essential products.