Businesses that have not yet evaluated their environmental impact and assessed their packaging are behind. Using eco-friendly packaging materials is just one of many actions businesses can take to help the environment and meet the environmental concerns of consumers.
At Fillcon we fill a range of packaging types for a variety of sectors, from cosmetic and household to industrial and more, working with businesses to find the best solution for them. This guide to switching to eco-friendly cosmetic packaging will highlight the benefits of eco-friendly packaging, considerations for switching, and eco-friendly packaging ides for cosmetics.
Eco-Friendly Cosmetic Packaging
There is no denying the importance of eco-friendly packaging across all industries as the world, and significantly – consumers, become more environmentally aware. For all products, packaging considerations now not only include functionality and product preservation, but also recyclability and impact on the world.
Why is eco-friendly packaging important?
- Consumer attraction – in light of environmental awareness, consumers may actively seek out products packaged in eco-friendly materials.
- Environmental concern – the driving factor behind eco-packaging, the environment could benefit from mass uptake of environmentally friendly practises and materials.
- Business ethos – it is important for businesses and brands to promote their environmental philosophy.
- Branding – eco-friendly packaging can be incorporated into a wider branding exercise, seen especially in cosmetics where brands may want to reflect natural, simple values seen across their branding and cosmetic products.
Switching to eco-friendly cosmetic packaging
Once you decide to make the switch there are plenty of things to consider before putting in a huge order for packaging!
Bear in mind that using more eco-friendly cosmetic packaging does not have to involve a huge rebrand and may simply be an adjustment in the type of material used – as long as user experience is maintained, the switch can be minimal. On the other hand, launching new eco-friendly packaging may be a great time to do a brand activation and encourage consumers to interact with your cosmetic products through experiential marketing such as samples.
Considerations include:
- Consistency – you don’t want to compromise on UX. Keep existing customers by maintaining ease of use and effectiveness.
- Effectiveness – packaging must still work and keep the product safe. Just because a packaging material may be extremely eco-friendly does not mean it is suitable.
- Test – before placing an order, ensure the packaging is right for your product by requesting a sample.
- Reality – make sure you can get your packaging filled. At Fillcon we fill all sorts of packaging types and are always open to filling something new with our advanced facilities!
Eco-Friendly Cosmetic Packaging Ideas
Looking to switch-up your cosmetic packaging? Read our helpful blog on the best material for cosmetic product packaging first.
Use recyclable materials
Switching to more eco-friendly packaging does not have to be a huge change and can be as simple as ensuring your packaging can be recycled once the consumer is done. A lot of plastic types are already widely recyclable, with PET and HDPE being the most common and recyclable, meaning businesses can keep using their reliable, sturdy, flexible (tubes etc.) plastic packaging.
Glass
Glass is one of the materials that can be recycled multiple times without losing quality, the other being aluminium that can be recycled infinitely. Glass is popular for jars and helps to give the look and feel of luxury for high end cosmetic products. Aluminium is a great eco-friendly packaging material; find out more about aluminium tube packaging.
Use recycled materials
Packaging made from recycled materials is popular too as these ensure consumers are not using raw materials and are conserving virgin material. Example packaging materials include paperboard or recycled plastics.
Consider extras
Instead of a total switch, evaluate elements of packaging that could be made more eco-friendly. For example, packaging for shipping often contains non-recyclable materials such as bubble wrap, which could be swapped out for recyclable paper. Jiffy bags with plastic lining are also harder to recycle, and can be switched for paper envelopes filled with shredded paper.
Other considerations include lids/closures and possible eco-friendly alternatives.
Reusability
Being able to reuse packaging once the product is empty can be appealing to consumers. To encourage consumers to repurpose the packaging, be sure to put a note on the label.
To remind consumers to actually recycle packaging where possible, put a reminder on the label too. Often, although packaging can be recycled, businesses rely on the consumer actioning the recycling.
Eco-packaging
Eco-packaging is a specific subset of packaging, made from easily recyclable materials, using renewable energy possibly with recycled materials. An example of eco-packaging is bamboo. However eco-packaging can sometimes have plastic lining in it to ensure product doesn’t leak, which may inhibit recycling.
See more: A Guide to Eco-Packaging
Get Started with Fillcon
Here at Fillcon we are extensively experienced in filling a range of tubes, bottles, sachets and more at our advanced facilities, and are able to take on any new project! We even facilitate with packaging for filled products, finding the perfect print, material and eco-friendly solution for you.
If your business is looking for sustainable packaging solutions for your cosmetic products, we can offer 100% recyclable plastic, PCR and aluminium solutions. We pride ourselves on our quality and friendly service, helping our customers wherever possible.
Have a filling project in mind? Get a quote! Or simply get in touch to find out more.
See more: Cosmetic Bottles – Reasons to Use Bottles for Cosmetics
See more: Getting Started with Wholesale Bottles
