In today’s world, sustainability is a driving force in the cosmetics industry, especially when it comes to packaging. Both consumers and manufacturers are committed to finding more natural, environmentally friendly solutions that foster the circular economy.
This was just one of the topics discussed a few days ago at London Packaging Week, the top event for innovation and new packaging trends for the beauty industry. This motivated us to write about a growing trend: sustainability in the cosmetics industry.
Eco-friendly cosmetics packaging is becoming increasingly popular, as it is the best way to meet sustainability criteria with personal care and beauty products.
Characteristics of eco-friendly cosmetics packaging
In recent years, the cosmetics industry has witnessed an increase in the popularity of products containing natural ingredients and using environmentally friendly production and packaging processes.
Despite the effort needed to adapt to market demands, institutions such as the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) estimate that this industry will continue to grow in 2023 and could bring in up to 800 billion dollars in revenue.
There are several sociological reasons for this exceptionally positive market forecast, especially with regard to eco-friendly cosmetics.
The first of these is the arrival of millennials. This new generation of consumers spends more money on products of this type and seeks out the most sustainable options.
Older consumers are also spending more, however. Higher life expectancy and the desire to remain healthy and youthful encourages people to search for beauty products containing natural ingredients.
And this need for greener products extends to their means of presentation. As a result, recycled and/or recyclable packaging has become much more popular for cosmetic products.
The characteristics of these materials explain their popularity.
A wide variety of formats
These packaging materials have enjoyed success because they are enormously adaptable.
There is currently a wide range of packaging formats available, which can be adapted to suit all products. This allows the natural cosmetic products to be applied effectively in skin care routines.
The different formats are also recyclable. All eco-friendly cosmetics packaging has this advantage, which makes for an effective sales strategy based on sustainability.
Sustainable packaging materials
There are several options available to ensure eco-friendly cosmetics packaging meets recycling goals, including recycled and recyclable plastic.
This plastic has many benefits as sustainable packaging. It is tough, can withstand different treatment processes, provides optimal preservation and is long-lasting.
This plastic reuses materials, ensuring they don’t end up in landfill or the natural environment, and avoiding the use of new raw materials.
Eco–friendly packaging, or simply eco-packaging, is becoming a major game changer. These environmentally friendly solutions don’t just help preserve cosmetic products, they also help reduce the carbon footprints of the product manufacturers.
SPG has invested consistently in sustainability to ensure our sustainable-packaging production process is fully adapted to the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.
Sustainable design
Advertising plays an essential role in eco-friendly cosmetics packaging, and there are several printing options available.
Ecodesign is easily the most popular trend today, and uses sustainable printing techniques and environmentally friendly materials.
Digital printing is the best choice in terms of sustainability and designs for advertising campaigns.
This fast and efficient technique allows different designs to be combined to ensure the products catch the customer’s eye.
Digital printing also makes it easier to accurately gauge the printed material required, thereby reducing waste.
This rapid process can be used with all types of materials and provides excellent print quality.
In addition, the cost of production is less with digital printing. The process does not require templates, photolith film or cliché plates and the final result can be reviewed on screen before the printing process even begins.