The involvement of cosmetic brands in caring for the environment has crystallized into the concept of eco design, going beyond the purely related to product formulation. Do you know to what extent it can benefit you to bet on brands that include it within their principles? Here we bring you everything you need to know about the relevance that eco-design has acquired in the beauty industry.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in adopting more sustainable practices in cosmetics, including in relation to the packaging of their products, thus achieving the concept of eco design.
The packaging of cosmetic products plays a crucial role in the generation of waste and the environmental impact of this industry.
That is why eco-design has become a powerful tool to address these challenges.
A principle that has been taken seriously by companies. In fact, in Spain alone, more than 60,000 tonnes of raw materials were saved in 2021 thanks to the eco-design of packaging, according to figures from Ecoembes.
The environmental impact of traditional cosmetic packaging
Traditional cosmetic packaging often consists of non-recyclable materials such as plastics, glass and metals.
These materials can take hundreds of years to decompose in the natural environment, contributing to the accumulation of waste and the pollution of oceans and ecosystems.
In addition, the production of these materials requireslarge amounts of energy and natural resources, which further contributes to the ecological footprint of the cosmetics industry.
What is eco design and how does it benefit the environment?
Eco-design is a design approach that takes into account the entire life cycle of a product, from its creation to its disposal.
The main objective of eco-design is to reduce the environmental impact of products and to optimize their energy efficiency and use of natural resources.
In the case of cosmetic packaging, this involves choosing sustainable materials, reducing the amount of materials used and improving the recyclability and biodegradability of materials.
Ecodesign brings 3 main benefits to the environment:
- Firstly, by choosing sustainable materials, dependence on non-renewable resources is reduced and the amount of waste generated is reduced.
- In addition, by reducing the amount of packaging used, energy and resources are saved in the production and transport of products.
- Finally, improving the recyclability and biodegradability of materials reduces the amount of waste going to landfill and promotes a more sustainable circular economy.
The importance of sustainable materials in eco design
One of the key aspects of eco-design in cosmetic packaging is the choice of sustainable materials. Sustainable materials are those that are obtained from renewable sources, have a lower environmental impact in their production and are biodegradable or recyclable at the end of their useful life.
Examples of sustainable materials used in the eco-design of cosmetic packaging include recycled cardboard, recycled glass, bamboo and biodegradable plastic.
The use of sustainable materials in eco-design not only reduces the environmental impact of cosmetic packaging, but can also help brands improve their image and attract consumers who are aware of the value of environmental stewardship.
More and more consumers value products that use sustainable materials and are willing to pay more for them. Therefore, choosing them can be an effective strategy to differentiate a brand in the marketplace and gain loyalty from its target audience.
Innovations in the eco-design of cosmetic packaging
As demand for more sustainable cosmetic packaging grows, so do innovations in the field of eco-design. In recent years, numerous new technologies and materials have been developed that enable the creation of more eco-friendly packaging. Some of these innovations include:
1. Biodegradable packaging
Biodegradable plastics have been developed based on corn starch, sugar cane bagasse and other organic materials. These plastics decompose rapidly in the environment and leave no toxic residues.
2. Refillable packaging
Cosmetic brands are starting to offer refillable packaging, which allows consumers to refill their products instead of buying new packaging. This reduces the amount of waste generated and encourages more responsible consumption.
3. Compostable packaging
Some brands are using compostable materials, such as PLA (polylactic acid), for their packaging. These materials break down under composting conditions and become organic nutrients for the soil.
Best practices for brands wishing to adopt eco-design principles
If a cosmetics brand is interested in adopting eco-design principles in their packaging, there are several best practices they can follow:
- Carry out a life cycle assessment:Before implementing packaging changes, it is important to understand the environmental impact of current products. A life cycle assessment can help identify areas for improvement and set specific targets.
- Choose sustainable materials:Sustainable alternatives to traditional materials used in cosmetic packaging should be sought. This may include the use of recycled materials, biodegradable materials or materials obtained from renewable sources.
- Reduce the amount of packaging:Find ways to reduce the amount of packaging used without compromising the functionality or appearance of products. This may include designing more compact packaging or eliminating unnecessary elements.
- Encourage reuse and recycling: implement refill programs or take-back and recycling programs to encourage the reuse and recycling of packaging.
- Communicate sustainability efforts:It is important to communicate to your audience what you are doing to care for the planet in a transparent and effective way. This can help build trust and brand loyalty.
If you’ve made it this far, we hope it’s clear to you that eco design offers a unique opportunity for the cosmetics industry to reduce its environmental impact and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
By adopting practices in line with it, cosmetic brands can not only reduce the amount of waste generated, but also attract environmentally conscious consumers and differentiate themselves in the marketplace.
That is the reason we encourage you to take them into account when it comes to boosting your sales. And for this, you can count on Starbrands.. We take our commitment to sustainability very seriously in each of our actions,from the starting point of our products to their arrival on the sales shelf, including the design of their packaging.
Would you like to find out more about it and how we can help you to stand out in your market? It’s time for you to get to know our partner program, in which we have a series of advantages specially designed for your growth.Shall we talk about it?
