Finally shifting to sustainable personal care packaging?

The beauty and personal care industry is among the largest consumers of packaging and, consequently, one of the largest generators of packaging waste. Nearly 95% of cosmetic packaging is discarded after use, with most left out from effective recycling streams. In many Southeast Asian countries, single-use packaging continues to dominate despite the push for sustainability.

Projected to reach US$858.4 billion by 2030, the industry is facing pressure to adopt environmentally responsible solutions that meet the demands of aesthetics, product safety, and consumer convenience.

This guide outlines the essential steps for navigating the shift toward sustainable packaging solutions in personal care and cosmetics.

Begin by assessing your current packaging footprint. Identify the materials used, their weight, and structural design. Calculate the carbon footprint and review recyclability and end-of-life options. This evaluation will highlight areas where sustainability improvements can be made.

The next step involves selecting a strategy that best meets your product concept. The strategy will be based on the five pillars of sustainable packaging: reduction, reuse/refill, recyclability, renewability, and use of recycled PCR materials. In making this choice, consider factors such as product category and functionality, market location, infrastructure and regulations, cost implications, and brand positioning.

To be effective, the strategy may involve more than one approach. For instance, it could be a combination of material reduction and recyclability. Once the strategy has been identified, its execution requires four key stages: material selection, designing for sustainability, choosing certified suppliers as partners, and testing and validation.

Companies also obtain certifications and standards that can validate sustainability claims. Key certifications include: Ecovadis, SMETA, B Corporation which assess overall sustainability and ethical practices; ISCC, Ecocert, Cradle to Cradle which verify material sourcing, recyclability, and lifecycle performance; and APR, Recyclass which provide technical guidance on recyclability and design optimization. Certification marks are shown on packaging to communicate transparency and accountability.

Engaging consumers

In the sustainability journey, brands must also empower their consumers by providing clear instructions on recycling, refilling, or reusing packaging. They can communicate sustainability by using logos and marketing materials to highlight the eco-friendly features.

Companies must regularly monitor and evaluate their environmental impact, track the latest developments in material and technology, and adapt new solutions and refinements to fit changing needs.

Prepared by Marijo Gonzalez

Photo: Timursuleymanov I  Dreamstime.com

This article is based on a presentation by Dr. Passachon Limthongchai, Executive Director – Customer Experience and People Caring at CONIMEX, a privately owned company specializing in the design and manufacturing of a wide range of plastic containers, during the ASEAN Personal Care Technology Summit in Bangkok, Thailand in 2024.