How to Make Cosmetic Packaging More Sustainable?

Modern consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental issues, and the cosmetics industry is also taking positive actions to reduce the impact on the environment through sustainable packaging practices. Here are the specific methods:

Add – give packaging more sustainable elements

Add PCR (post-consumer recycled) materials

The use of PCR materials in daily chemical packaging is an important step in achieving a circular economy. By converting waste after use by consumers into recycled materials, it not only effectively reduces resource waste, but also reduces the use of virgin plastic.

Case: Some brands have launched bottles and caps containing 50% or more PCR content to achieve environmental protection goals.

Advantages: Reduce landfill, reduce carbon emissions, and support environmentally friendly consumption trends.

Use degradable or compostable materials

Develop and use bio-based plastic materials such as PLA (polylactic acid) or PBAT, which can naturally degrade under certain conditions and reduce long-term harm to the environment.

Extension: Develop bio-based packaging suitable for cosmetics, and popularize how to properly recycle these materials to consumers.

Add environmentally friendly functional design

Reusable packaging: such as refillable bottles, double-layer packaging box design, etc., to extend the service life of product packaging.

Smart design: Integrate the scanning code traceability function in the packaging to let consumers know the source of materials and recycling methods, and improve environmental awareness.

Reduce – optimize resource use

Reduce the amount of packaging materials

Simplify the packaging level through innovative design:

Reduce unnecessary double-layer boxes, liners and other decorative structures.

Optimize wall thickness to ensure that materials are saved while maintaining strength.

Achieve “integrated packaging” so that the lid and the bottle body are integrated.

Effect: Significantly reduce production costs while reducing waste generation.

Reduce unnecessary decorations and components

No longer use unnecessary metal trims, plastic envelopes, etc., and focus on designs that are both functional and aesthetic.

Case: Glass bottle packaging with a simple design is more recyclable while meeting consumers’ aesthetic needs.

Remove – remove design elements that are unfavorable to the environment

Remove unnecessary masterbatches

Explanation: Masterbatches may increase the non-recyclability of materials while giving the packaging a bright appearance.

Action: Promote transparent packaging or use natural colors to enhance environmental protection attributes and show a simple and fashionable style.

Practical suggestions:

Use a single material design to reduce the difficulty of separating mixed materials.

Optimize the amount of masterbatch used to minimize the impact on the environment.

Reduce dependence on decorative materials such as aluminized films

Try to avoid using decorative coatings that are difficult to separate or non-recyclable, such as aluminized and gold-plated films.

Switch to water-based ink printing or environmentally friendly coatings, which can achieve decorative effects and are easier to recycle.

Supplementary content: Promote sustainable future development

Strengthen consumer education

Promote the design of recycling logos for products and provide clear recycling guidelines.

Interact with consumers to encourage participation in recycling programs (such as points exchange).

Technology innovation drive

Promote glue-free label technology to reduce the use of non-recyclable adhesives.

Introduce technological breakthroughs in bio-based materials to optimize their cost and performance.

Industry joint action

Work with supply chain partners to form a sustainable packaging alliance.

Promote sustainable certifications, such as the EU ECOCERT or the US GreenGuard, to enhance corporate credibility.

Cosmetic packaging can achieve more sustainable development by increasing the use of environmentally friendly materials, reducing resource waste, and removing elements that are harmful to the environment.

If you have any purchasing needs for cosmetic packaging, please contact us, Topfeel is always ready to answer you.