Imagine a world where every product we use leaves a positive mark on our planet. Packaging plays a crucial role in this vision. Our current waste problem demands urgent attention, and packaging is a significant part of the puzzle. The buyers’ mission is to seek out and implement groundbreaking, sustainable packaging solutions. So, what innovative approaches can we consider to make packaging more eco-friendly? Let’s dive in and explore how we can revolutionise packaging for a greener future!
When developing new packaging designs, several things must be considered, starting with the choice of materials. The focus here should be on using recycled materials. For example, recycled bottles are ideal for liquid cosmetic products, while recycled paper works perfectly for gift packaging, boxes, and paper bags. Another thing to consider: How much material does the packaging need? Using mono materials can make it more sustainable already, because it’s more challenging to properly recycle packaging that consists of multiple materials. As a result, it often ends up in the general waste stream. By switching to mono materials, it becomes easier to recycle the packaging after usage. When switching to 100% recycled materials, such as 100% recycled PET, there are various sources that can be utilised. Buyers should aim to reach additional component benefits within their sourcing portfolio. One option is to use locally available materials, which can significantly decrease the carbon footprint. Starting with these materials before the design phase can be an inspiring factor in the packaging development process. This approach not only ensures material availability but also creates a positive local impact. Another noteworthy upgrade to 100% recycled PET bottles is the inclusion of ‘Prevented Ocean Plastic’. This high-quality recycled plastic is collected from coastal areas in Indonesia, preventing ocean pollution. By collaborating with local bottle collectors in the informal waste collection industry and recyclers, the program has developed an efficient waste management infrastructure. It has created reliable income opportunities with dignified working conditions for local communities and supplied traceable, premium-quality recycled plastic to global markets, all while keeping plastics out of our oceans. Besides using recycled materials for packaging, there are also natural materials that can be used to create more sustainable packaging solutions.
What nature has to offer
Manufacturers should aim to source alternative materials and all available options that can regenerate and rebuild nature, rather than strip precious resources from the planet. Packaging should be developed from the perspective of reducing the pressure on the planet and using materials that contribute positively to local ecosystems, or rethinking materials typically discarded as waste, which can be transformative when innovatively integrated into packaging design. Imagine repurposing natural leftovers into valuable packaging materials, like banana fibres sourced from Zambia for example. This is a material made from banana plantation waste streams. It can be used as a sustainable material for paper bag production, gift wrapping, or any other general paper purpose. Another alternative material for standard packaging is cork. The 100% natural, reusable, carbon-positive and biodegradable material is especially in teresting for the cosmetic industry due to its an tibacterial, fire-resistant and water-resistant features. This material is sourced from southern Portugal, where cork is harvested from the upper 2 metres of the cork oak tree. The bark is peeled off, then boiled and machined into any packaging shape. The bark grows back, and every 9 years the tree is ready to be harvested again. Not only does this process not harm the trees, but it also encourages wildlife and fauna to flourish. At the end of the packaging’s life, the cork can be returned to the earth to nourish the soil without leaving any toxic residue, because this natural product is completely biodegradable. ‘Prevented Ocean Plastic’, banana fibres, and cork are just a few examples for materials of the future that can easily add additional value to packaging. Although the mentioned solutions can be a bit more expensive than the conventional virgin materials commonly available on the market, it is our responsibility as manufacturers to find new solutions whilst decreasing packaging consumption in general.
‘Prevented Ocean Plastic’ is recycled plastic collected from coastal areas in Indonesia, preventing ocean pollution.
Banana fibres sourced from Zambia is a material made from banana plantation waste streams and used for packaging.
Focus on weight
The other thing we must be aware of is to decrease packaging weight where possible. Many producers tend to increase the weight of packaging by adding unnecessary material for the product to be heavier, with the goal for consumers to think they are getting more product. The same marketing strategy is used when companies pack their products in larger packages than needed. This has a big impact on the CO2 emissions that are generated. By decreasing the weight or reducing unnecessary additional packaging, we can massively decrease the carbon footprint of the end products.
Rethinking packaging and making it more sustainable is a process.
The future is naked
As we explore new sustainable packaging materials, it’s crucial to consider an alternative solution, especially within the global cosmetic industry: minimising packaging altogether and embracing a “naked” approach. It’s the future: to focus on products formulated in a way to be sold and consumed without any packaging. It’s great to see that solid cosmetics such as solid shampoos, conditioners, and soaps, just to name a few, are becoming more and more popular and are often sold without or only with minimal packaging. Although we can see a growing interest in these solutions, there’s still a lot of work to do. In this scenario, it’s not just about rethinking product formulations, it’s also about reconsidering the product’s design itself, which becomes the packaging. Similar to open fruit and vegetable displays, for instance: Here, the product must stand out on its own without relying on traditional packaging.
Cork is a reusable, carbon-positive and biodegradable material and therefore works well as packaging raw material for cosmetics.
The most sustainable packaging: solid soap and shampoo can be sold without any packaging at all.
The Challenges It goes without saying that rethinking packaging and making it more sustainable is a process. When designing new packaging and sourcing the material, sustainability and environmental solutions should be at the centre of our minds. One major challenge with new materials is that industry innovators bear the price of introducing sustainable options to the market. We must recognise that achieving conventional prices is unlikely due to lower production volumes and unique production processes. Despite these higher costs and the complexities of setting up new production streams, the commitment to environmental sustainability must drive us forward. We must channel our passion and business focus into investing time and resources for greater environmental benefits. This means continuously exploring our beautiful planet, finding inspiration in recycled materials, overlooked waste streams, and natural leftovers, and transforming them into innovative packaging solutions. Together, we can pioneer a future where sustainability and creativity go hand in hand, making a positive impact on our world.
The commitment to environmental sustainability must drive us forward.
Niko Lijovic
Creative Buyer, Lush Cosmetics
www.lush.com