5 Benefits You Should Know about Eco-Friendly Cosmetic Packaging
Are you aware that plastic cosmetic packaging is bad for the environment? A 2021 report by the World Wildlife Fund revealed that the cosmetic industry ranks among the top five culprits of environmental pollution. According to the same report, it produces over 120 billion units of plastic waste packaging annually.
With such a huge contribution, cosmetics pose a risk to the environmental balance. Adopting sustainable packaging for cosmetics provides an eco-friendly solution to this pressing matter.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the top 5 benefits of eco-friendly cosmetic packaging for consumers and businesses. Additionally, we’ll provide more insight into their positive impact on the environment. So read on!
What are the Benefits of Eco-friendly Cosmetic Packaging?
Sustainable beauty packaging is more than a trend or buzzword. It provides a practical approach to the growing problem of plastic waste. Eco-friendly cosmetic packaging replaces unrecyclable plastic or petroleum-based traditional cosmetic packaging.
Sustainable materials used in manufacturing environmentally friendly packaging for cosmetics include:
- Glass
- Bamboo
- Sugarcane
- Recycled paper
- Compostable and biodegradable materials such as orange peels, coffee grounds, and coconut shells.
- Refill Container
Besides helping the environment and reducing tons of non-disposable plastic waste, eco-friendly cosmetic packaging offers many other lucrative benefits. Now let’s take a deep dive into these benefits:
1- Standing out from the Crowd
Competing in the saturated cosmetic market requires grabbing consumers’ attention in unique ways. Packaging is the first thing your clients see before getting to know your product.
Sustainable beauty packaging offers unique designs and textures. Such uniqueness makes them distinctive from the usual cosmetic plastic packaging. High-quality biodegradable cosmetic containers are more visually appealing and a sophisticated alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
2- Reduction of Environmental Problems
Biodegradable packaging is more gentle to the environment than traditional plastic packaging. The former takes decades to decompose, while the latter decomposes within a few months.
Furthermore, eco-friendly packaging manufacturing is energy and resource-efficient. Also, it does not leave excessive carbon emissions behind. These emissions contribute to global warming.
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, marine life in the Mediterranean and East China Seas is at extinction risk. There, the level of plastic pollution is currently beyond risky.
3- High-quality Packaging
Eco-friendly cosmetic packaging comes from durable materials that resist wear and tear. For instance, cardboard, and bamboo packages last for many years without a scratch, whereas many traditional packages tear quickly.
Cheap plastics offer lower durability, as they are not shatterproof. More durable plastic packaging comes from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP). Still, these plastic types are not affordable.
Handling glass and biodegradable skincare packaging with caution will give you unlimited durability. These containers also reduce the chances of damage while transporting the products.
Eco-friendly skincare packaging preserves the quality of the products. For instance, glass does not absorb or interact with chemicals or other ingredients. On the contrary, plastic is not the best option for maintaining the quality of cosmetics. The damage risk of plastic containers increases with exposure to heat or sunlight.
4- Cost efficiency
There is a common misconception about sustainable cosmetic packaging. Many consumers believe that they are expensive products. However, this is not 100% true and for various reasons:
Recyclability
This factor makes sustainable skincare packaging cost-efficient, in the long run. Glass, bamboo, cardboard, and other biodegradable cosmetic packaging are both reusable and recyclable.
Generally, you can reuse sustainable containers multiple times until they reach the end of their cycle. At this phase, these packages can be recycled.
Furthermore, you can consider reusable and refillable sustainable cosmetic packaging a long-term investment. Thus, you only need to pay for one package that you can use countless times. In contrast, you must discard single-use packages once they are empty.
Durability and sustainability
You might get sustainable packaging for twice the price of a plastic one. However, the plastic jar won’t last in its same condition for more than a few months. It might become scratched, lose its original appearance, or leach chemicals into the packaging content.
In contrast, Eco-friendly biodegradable packaging lasts many years in its original neat condition. The longer lifespan won’t affect the quality of the well-preserved cosmetics.
Reduced Disposal Cost
Sustainable beauty packaging is recyclable. Some types of these eco-friendly packages are refillable as well. This means you do not have to worry about disposal and waste costs.
In general, choosing plastic packages obligates you to pay for the proper disposal of the waste. The cost varies depending on the type and quantity of plastic. Bear in mind the concept of refillable plastic cosmetic packaging, which helps protect the environment and reduce the waste cost.
However, despite the functionality of this solution, it may not be as environmentally friendly as using other eco-friendly packaging materials. There will always be some unrecyclable plastic waste left behind.
Governmental Support
In some regions worldwide, governments encourage green solutions. They provide financial incentives to businesses adopting eco-friendly cosmetic packaging. These incentives may take the form of grants, tax breaks, or funding options.
5- Improving Brand Image
Using sustainable beauty packaging creates a positive brand image. It demonstrates your commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
Because of the increased environmental awareness, many consumers are shifting to sustainable alternatives.
According to a Nielson survey in 2014, 66% of global consumers are ready to pay more to support sustainable industries
A decade later, the findings of this survey remain relevant. The number of eco-conscious consumers is still growing worldwide.
Adopting biodegradable cosmetic containers builds trust with your customers. They favor eco-friendly brands believing they are making the right choice.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly cosmetic packaging is the future of this industry. It offers cost-efficiency, sustainability, and high quality. All these factors give sustainable cosmetic packaging popularity among consumers. This explains why many reputable cosmetic brands are switching to this option.
So, if you want to help the environment and boost your brand image, now is the time to adopt this packaging option. With a variety of materials, you’ll find the right option for your business.
Also, if you want to know more about eco-friendly cosmetic packaging, read these blog posts:
https://bamboocosmeticpackaging.com/uncategorized/all-about-zero-waste-packaging/
