7 Eco-Friendly Cosmetics Packaging Ideas

Post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging

PCR packaging is one of the most popular green packaging options. It is estimated that the PCR packaging industry will reach 18.8 billion dollars by 2025, compared to 14.2 billion dollars in 2020.

PCR packaging is made from recycled cardboard boxes, paper, plastic bottles, aluminium and other everyday materials. Once these recyclables reach a recycling plant, they are separated by material, sorted into bales, and then sold and remodelled into new products. This solution is therefore highly versatile in terms of the form and dimensions of the packaging it creates, making it ideal for cosmetic companies seeking to use 100% recycled materials. But what is the difference between PCR packaging and compostable or recyclable cosmetic packaging?

PCR packaging differs in that it is produced once the raw materials have been sent to recycling plants. It reuses the materials, thus giving them a new life. However, with compostable and recyclable packaging, the customer discards the package, thus terminating the lifecycle.

Additionally, with recyclable and compostable packaging, customers' disposal processes are more important, since some conditions might affect the material's biodegradability.

PCR packaging is also preferred to recyclable and compostable cosmetic container options due to its numerous advantages for businesses and customers alike. It is one of the most widely available eco-friendly materials for cosmetics, as it can be moulded into various shapes and sizes, making it ideal for products such as cream jars or lotion bottles.

The advantages of PCR packaging include:

• Flexibility

• Protection

• Strong barrier performance

• Good strength

• Plastic film alternative

• Reduces carbon footprint

Another advantage of PCR is that it helps cosmetic businesses demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by using eco-friendly packaging.

PCR packaging is an excellent way to reach audiences interested in sustainability and environmental impact, without compromising on the quality of product packaging — especially as customers become more aware of the environmental impact of materials such as plastic.

Bamboo Packaging

Another upcoming eco-friendly packaging trend in the beauty and cosmetics industry is bamboo, which lends itself particularly well to disposable packaging, such as lip balm or lipstick cases. Bamboo is one of the best choices for plant-based cosmetic packaging as it uses fully renewable resources.

No insecticides or pesticides are used in its cultivation and there are many different species, so there are numerous options. Bamboo is a lightweight packaging material, and its cover can protect any cosmetics container.

It can be an excellent substitute for plastic and paper because it is biodegradable, and the wood can be used for external jars with an acrylic or glass inner coating. Bamboo cosmetic jars can also be branded using methods such as screen printing, hot stamping and engraving.

Paper Packaging

Paper is widely used as environmentally friendly packaging in many industries, including cosmetics. This sustainable packaging can be used in a variety of ways as an alternative to plastic.

For example, makeup and lip products often contain plastic fillers, such as bubble wrap, to protect the goods. However, a more sustainable alternative for your business would be to replace this plastic filler with paper or cardboard filler.

Paper is renewable and biodegradable, providing a more sustainable protective alternative to single-use plastics.

Refillable packaging

Eliminating plastic from traditional lotion and skincare packaging is one of the biggest challenges facing the cosmetics industry. However, due to a lack of durable, waterproof options, cosmetics firms have been trying to find a compromise to reduce the environmental impact of excessive plastic use in items such as lotion bottles and cosmetic jars.

One way to achieve this is to encourage customers to reuse such containers by offering refill services.

Refillable cosmetic packaging enables companies to minimise their environmental impact, interact with customers and add value to their products. It enables companies to significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastics and persuade customers to reuse the product.

Furthermore, companies can offer special discounts to customers who opt for the refill service, thereby promoting the long-term use of their cosmetic containers. Thus, although plastic is not environmentally friendly, reusing it is a compromise that can be made to achieve sustainable cosmetic packaging.

Cornstarch Packaging

Cornstarch would be an ideal substitute for plastic for cosmetic companies wanting more organic, environmentally friendly packaging for their lotion bottles. It is made of polylactic acid (PLA), as the name suggests, and is a renewable material derived from cornstarch or sugarcane. Although there are supply chain concerns when it is used more widely, there are still ways to implement this packaging option into general operations.

Cornstarch has a lot of potential as a sustainable alternative to plastic for cosmetic packaging. It is recyclable and biodegradable, making it an excellent option for lotion bottles and skincare cream jars. It is toxin-free and does not release significant quantities of emissions, which is why so many cosmetic companies are considering it as a substitute.

Seaweed Packaging

Although seaweed may not seem like an obvious choice for packaging beauty products, it has many potential applications! It is edible and dissolvable, so it can be used as biodegradable cosmetic packaging. Despite seaweed being far more prevalent in the food industry, it also has advantages for the cosmetics industry.

Seaweed is another good choice for eco-friendly skincare packaging, particularly for face masks, gels, lotions and other liquid-based cosmetics. Moreover, seaweed packaging can be used as an alternative to plastic because it is plentiful and will not harm the planet.

This innovation is still in the prototyping stage, but the concept is to freeze, thaw and air-dry the seaweed to create a packaging material. The final product is a clear film or cushioning material that can be strengthened with other natural materials, such as algae or fibre, to provide further protection.

Beeswax packaging

Beeswax is another interesting material for eco-friendly cosmetic packaging. It can easily be shaped and manipulated, making it an ideal protective coating for covering items or serving as a cover itself.

Beeswax packaging consists of beeswax, jojoba oil and coconut oil, and is coated with fabric such as cotton. Like the other packaging concepts discussed, beeswax is a wonderful substitute for plastic and can be branded in a more unique way.

Moreover, beeswax packaging can be produced in a variety of colours and patterns, and is more affordable than some of the other eco-friendly cosmetic packaging concepts mentioned. Cosmetics can also benefit from using beeswax due to its special properties. It contains antibacterial components that provide good protection and is strong enough to prevent damage to items.

Green Packaging: Sustainable packaging for the planet and your product

It is clear that we are in an exciting period for eco-friendly cosmetic packaging. As more and more alternatives to plastic are developed, the beauty industry's future packaging is moving towards sustainability.

With a greater focus on renewable, biodegradable and recyclable materials, the potential impact is greater. This can be achieved by cosmetics companies implementing eco-friendly packaging as part of their brand strategy to stand out in a competitive market and establish a more meaningful and authentic relationship with their customers.