These days, the beauty industry is all about taking care of the environment. While we are familiar with reduction of testing on animals, it’s now moved into another direction that is familiar for many.
The packaging of their products. The beauty industry does create a marked effect on the environment, but their packaging is something we don’t talk about as much.
Unsustainable packaging has been a problem, especially with the rise of packaging products that you cannot throw away.
That’s why some brands are taking it upon themselves to be sustainable, and to have the packaging work well for those beauty brands. Here, we’ll go over the different types of sustainable packaging beauty products can use, and the end result of this type of packaging.
Materials and Practices for Sustainable Packaging
In the world of beauty, there are some practices that are worth mentioning. The first is the outer container.
Paper is usually what’s used for the outer packaging. Kraft paper especially has become popular, especially for more natural brands. In other industries, some of them have started to upcycle and recycle the packaging boxes that are there. Some even try to use alternatives to plastic packaging, such as glass. These are all valid means.
Speaking of recycled and biodegradable, both of these are also used in packaging. Some beauty brands have made it so that their bottles are recycled when brought in, and then after you’re done, you get some cashback for bringing it back.
In the world of biodegradable materials, there’s a lot. Some companies have even started to use biodegradable plastic for each of these, as the material is very easy for you to use.
Some companies have started to use refillable solutions. A customer buys the bottle, and when they’re done, they can refill it. if they need to buy a replacement they can. This is a great way to use an item again and reduces the use of single-use plastics.
Finally, in a lot of sustainable companies, there’s a new rise in edible and washable inks. Good for the environment, these come right off, without harming the fibers of the packaging. Some beauty brands have started to use this, because it is safer for the cosmetics as well, reducing the chemicals that are present.
The Benefits and Challenges
When packaging for the beauty industry, there are some major challenges that come with this, and some different benefits that also follow as well.
One of the biggest benefits is of course, reducing the waste and environmental impact. This is the most obvious, but when cosmetic companies change to this, it does create a surefire impact.
But there are some downsides. One of the biggest challenges is that they struggle with actually pricing out the packaging so you still are in the black. Aesthetics are another. Some beauty companies benefit from the more natural aesthetics, whereas those that are a little more luxurious do need to be mindful of how they’re going to make their materials sustainable to use.
Finally, the functionality. Not all customers have the ability or desire to go in and return a bottle when they’re done. Brands need to realize this and provide an optimized solution so that their audience is willing to be sustainable with their packaging.
Obviously there’s a lot of different ways to grow with this, and a ton of growth in this realm. With that side, if you’re a beauty brand and trying to stand out a bit more, consider going sustainable, and seeing for yourself just what types of packaging you have.
