The beauty industry is notorious for its excessive production of single-use plastics, from mascara brushes to empty tubes, compacts and bottles.

This waste builds up in landfills, and as the effects of the current climate crisis are becoming ever more apparent, consumers are growing conscious of the environmental impact of their product choices, making purchases from brands that are taking proactive measures to improve the sustainability of their business.

At Fillcon, we have a whopping 10 years’ experience manufacturing eco-friendly and recyclable cosmetic packaging.

In this article we explore the ways that beauty business owners can improve the environmental impact of their operation through sustainable packaging solutions.

Sustainable Packaging Solutions

While cosmetic packaging is often more complex than other products because it comes in so many different forms, such as creams, liquids and gels, this does not mean there is a shortage of sustainable packaging solutions.

There are a wide range of designs, from jars to pouches, that are available in a variety of sizes, all of which are manufactured in eco-friendly and recyclable materials.

Here are 3 sustainable packaging solutions you may want to consider for your business:

Tubes

This form of packaging is ideal for foundations, moisturisers and lip products, such as glosses and balms.

Eco-friendly tubes are available in a variety of different recyclable materials, including sugarcane, wood and aluminium, all of which are significantly more sustainable than plastic alternatives.

Sachets and Pouches

Did you know that a sachet or pouch uses approximately 70% less plastic than a plastic bottle?

This packaging would be perfect for products such as primers, facial oils and foundations, as well as for hair care products like conditioners and serums.

And while sample packets are single use, there’s no reason why they can’t be recyclable.

Sustainable sachets and pouches are made from polypropylene, which while sounding a lot like a nasty plastic, can actually be recycled alongside plastic bags at your local supermarket.

Both are also great options for if you’re planning a product launch and you want distribute samples packets to build anticipation for its release and increase brand visibility.

Depending on your product you may also want anti-microbial varnish to coat your pouches and sachets. Available in matte and gloss it provides surface protection against bacteria and moulds. Clever, eh?

 

Bottles, Jars and Tins

Bottles, jars and tins are great sustainable alternatives because they are incredibly versatile in their sizing, available from ‘vial’ size of 2ml or a much larger 500 ml.

Whichever type of receptacle you choose can be made from environmentally friendly or recyclable materials, such as glass, plastic or aluminium.

Like sachets, bottles, jars and tins are perfect for liquid or cream-based products, such as gels, conditioners or balms.

If you are still not sure whether your product is fit for any of the sustainable packaging solutions we’ve listed here, get in touch with a friendly member of our team. We’re here to answer any questions you have and to guide you towards the best solution for your products.

 

Benefits of Using Sustainable Packaging

Now that you know the options available to you, you still might be wary, it’s new and unexplored territory, after all! Let us ease your mind; here’s our top business benefits of switching to sustainable packaging:

Help to Reach your Business’ Green Goals

The first, and most obvious, benefit is that using sustainable packaging significantly reduces your business’ carbon footprint and environmental impact.

By using recycling packaging your business reduces its raw material usage and the strain it puts on landfill sites.

Improve Brand Image

Switching to sustainable packaging is a superb marketing boon.

Shout about it from the rooftops and promote it everywhere you can. There’s a large contingent of your consumer base that will prefer shopping for products that have sustainability credentials.

Futureproof your Business

Modern consumers and businesses want to work with eco-conscious businesses.

In time, it will become significantly more difficult for you to find partnerships with suppliers and retailers. In order to ensure your long-term success, sustainable packaging needs to be in your imminent future.

Does Eco-Friendly and Recyclable Packaging Cost More?

There’s a myth going around that eco-friendly packaging is more expensive than standard packaging. We don’t know who started it, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Eco-friendly, recyclable packaging can be an effective and cost-efficient sustainable solution for your business. It’s all about finding the right packaging partner…

Cosmetic sampling solutions from Fillcon

…Speaking of packaging partners, allow us to introduce ourselves:

At Fillcon, we understand the importance of your business reaching its sustainability goals, that’s why it’s our mission to create the best, most affordable eco-friendly cosmetic sampling solutions in the UK.

There are numerous considerations for cosmetic product packaging: its needs to be available in a range of sizes, durable to prevent breaks and leaks, and UV protected to maintain the quality of the products inside.

And while you might feel that cosmetic products have limited options, we can offer a range of recyclable packaging, including:

  • Sachets
  • Pouches
  • E-tubes
  • E-bottles

To find out more about our eco-friendly product packaging solutions, get in touch with a member of our team today.