Cosmetics packaging that doesn't pollute

Cosmetics packaging is always very generous, often significantly bulkier than the actual product it contains. One way to encourage companies to avoid this waste, which has a significant impact on the waste chain, is to favor products with non-polluting and easily recyclable packaging. There's no shortage of solutions: glass, cork, bamboo. And even corn starch and algae-derived materials.

Glass

It's an excellent material, also due to its characteristics, for containing creams, serums, and perfumes. Furthermore, it can be infinitely recycled; once the product is used up, the cosmetic container can be easily reused and given a second life. Finally, the glass It does not release any harmful substances into the air.

Recycled cardboard

Recycled cardboard is mainly used for:

• External boxes (cases of creams, perfumes, make-up)
• Shipping packaging
• Internal supports (to hold the product still)

However, it is less commonly used in direct contact with cosmetics as it may contain impurities and has poor resistance to water, oils and creams.

Cork

even the cork It is a non-polluting material as it is recyclable, natural, and free of emissions.

Currently, in cosmetics, it is found mainly in:

• Caps and closures (for glass or plastic bottles)
• Jars or solid containers
• External or decorative packaging
• Accessories (for example the applicators)

Not ideal for long-term liquid products.

Recycled plastic

This is plastic that has already been used and then transformed back into raw material. The most common are:

• rPET (from bottles)
• rHDPE (bottles, detergents)
• PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) → the most sustainable, because it comes from consumer waste

In cosmetics, it is very often found in bottles (for example, those of shampoo and shower gel), tubes, make-up containers and sometimes in caps.

Cornstarch

In cosmetics it is used for:

• bottles (shampoo, shower gel)
• Squeeze Tubes (creams, cleansers)
• Makeup containers (stick)
• Tappi

It is often mixed with other materials to improve strength and durability.

Bamboo

Il Bamboo It is widely used for:

• palette
• compact powders
• lipsticks
• makeup brushes
• spatulas
• applicators

Bamboo has the great advantage of being both strong and light at the same time.

Algae

The algae are not used “as is”, but transformed into materials such as:

• algae-based bioplastics
• biodegradable thin films
• soluble gels or capsules

Beeswax;

La Beeswax is applied on paper or fabrics which contain cosmetics, to make them

• impermeable
• grease resistant

In these cases it has the same function as reusable food wraps.

Read also:

• Where can you buy vegan cosmetics?
• How to use expired cosmetics