With an increased emphasis on biodegradable and recyclable renewable materials, the opportunities to make an impact are greater than ever. Cosmetics companies looking to stand out in a competitive market and establish more meaningful and authentic connections with customers can achieve this by incorporating sustainable makeup packaging into their brand strategy.
Sustainable Makeup Packaging: PCR Packaging
One of the most popular choices for sustainable makeup packaging is PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) packaging because it can be molded into many different shapes and sizes. This type of packaging is made from recyclable materials like cartons, paper, plastic bottles, aluminum, and other everyday materials. Especially as consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of materials like plastic, PCR packaging offers a great way to engage with audiences on sustainability and environmental impact without compromising the quality of product packaging. Some of the main benefits of PCR packaging include flexibility, protection, strong barrier properties, and good strength.
Sustainable Makeup Packaging: Bamboo
Bamboo is another emerging trend in sustainable makeup packaging within the beauty and cosmetics industry. It is an ideal material for single-use packaging such as lipstick or lip balm tubes, as its casing adds a layer of durability to any cosmetic container. Its exterior is particularly suited for outer jars that use acrylic or glass as the inner lining. Bamboo cosmetic jars can even be branded using techniques like silk screen printing, hot stamping, or laser engraving.
Sustainable Makeup Packaging: Recycled Paper
Paper has long been a sustainable packaging option across all industries, and the cosmetics industry is no exception. For example, cosmetic and lipstick packaging often includes plastic fillers for protection. However, opting for renewable and biodegradable materials made from cardboard or recycled paper in place of these plastic fillers is an excellent choice for achieving more sustainable beauty packaging for your business.
Sustainable Makeup Packaging: Cornstarch
Cornstarch is another biodegradable and recyclable material, making it a great choice for lotion bottles and skincare cream jars. It is made from polylactic acid (PLA), which is derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane. It is non-toxic and does not produce significant emissions. Although there are supply chain concerns, the option to integrate this packaging choice into overall operations is still viable if it is more widely adopted.
Sustainable Makeup Packaging: Seaweed
While seaweed might not seem like a typical material for sustainable beauty packaging, it actually has great potential. Seaweed packaging is both edible and dissolvable, making it a suitable choice for biodegradable cosmetic packaging. Although seaweed is more commonly used in the food industry, it also has benefits for the cosmetics industry. While plastic is not environmentally friendly, its continued reuse can be a feasible compromise for sustainable makeup packaging options. Refillable cosmetic packaging can help companies reduce their impact and is a great way to engage with customers and create value for products.