Let's Break It Down: Is Your Packaging Sustainable?

Sustainability, though overall a rather straightforward concept, can look quite different from industry to industry. For the cosmetics business, packaging is a huge aspect of both the marketing and functionality of your product, so finding a way to incorporate sustainable options may seem like a daunting task at first. Join us as we break down what it means to be sustainable in the wide world of cosmetics and how you can get started utilizing eco-friendly packaging that adapts to the unique needs of your business.

Of course, cosmetic packaging should be more than just aesthetically pleasing; it should also be practical. If the container that holds the product fails to dispense it, or weakens with time, consumers may seek out other products when they start running low.

Fortunately, there is a solution that is both beautiful to look at and adept at preserving creams, lotions, serums, and other products: airless cosmetic packaging.

But what exactly is sustainable packaging? According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), in order to be considered sustainable, all packaging should be produced using renewable energy and materials that allow it to be recycled as a “valuable resource for subsequent generations.”

So essentially, the goal of sustainable packaging is to reduce environmental impact and your ecological footprint without exceeding or falling below the market standards for both performance and cost of products. As we will discuss later on, this can be achieved by incorporating new technologies and eco-friendly materials.

Besides the reduction of your ecological footprint, there are plenty of other reasons to incorporate sustainable packaging into your business. Believe it or not, recent studies have found that a number of consumers, particularly the younger generations, have begun seeking out products that utilize sustainable packaging. In fact, Forbes’ 2021 report on the State of Consumer Spending revealed that 62% of Generation Z consumers prefer to purchase products from sustainable companies, with a whopping 54% stating that they are even willing to spend more on sustainable goods.

With this level of enthusiasm for environmental change, you can be sure that any efforts you make to incorporate sustainable packaging into your products will certainly be met with an increase in brand loyalty from customers. After all, sustainable packaging has the ability to reduce the environmental impact not only of your company itself, but of shoppers as well, thus attracting plenty of attention from environmentally conscious consumers.

Ready to get started boosting your brand and helping the environment? Read on to learn more about how you can make the switch to eco-friendly cosmetic packaging by implementing a few simple changes.

One of the most effective ways to increase the sustainability of your business is to begin utilizing reusable packaging. Since the goal of sustainability is to lessen environmental impact by lengthening the life cycle of products, reducing the amount of materials used in production is generally favored over recycling the materials. Reusable packaging reduces both waste and emissions by burning through less materials, making it a much eco-friendlier alternative to single-use packaging.

If you are interested in incorporating reusable items into your store or studio, look no further than our Bamboo Disposable Cosmetic Applicator Kit, which contains a neat, organized case made out of 100% recyclable plastic. A perfect option for reusable storage, this durable container features numerous compartments to keep your tools organized and easily accessible when you need them, as well as a secure clasp to prevent spilling during travel. However, we know that it is nearly impossible to utilize only reusable products in the beauty industry today, especially when maintaining hygiene and safety protocols. When you find yourself in need of disposable products, you can still preserve sustainability by turning to applicators that are made with recyclable materials. Crafted from eco-friendly bamboo, the applicators contained in our Bamboo Disposable Cosmetic Applicator Kit are a high-quality, responsible alternative to typical disposable plastic applicators.

The incorporation of airless technology has revolutionized the cosmetics industry by increasing the shelf life of a huge number of products. Typical pumps and mechanisms allow oxygen into the container, often impacting the potency of a formula’s active ingredients. Without powerful active ingredients, the product becomes less effective, leading customers to simply throw it out and buy more. Airless technology eliminates this type of waste by protecting formulas from the damaging effects of oxygen and boosting their longevity.

And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice style when incorporating airless technology. Our Platinum Jar with Easy Press Airless Pump is both sleek and effective, allowing customers to dose out the perfect amount of product while maintaining the integrity of their formula by keeping out oxygen. If you like the modern look of this elegant jar, check out the other products available in our Platinum Airless Collection.

Another way to make your packaging more sustainable is to utilize eco-friendly materials such as post-consumer recycled resin (PCR), aluminum and bamboo. Packaging manufactured with these materials is both lightweight and durable, allowing products to be transported using less emissions without sacrificing the protection of the valuable formulas inside. Made with 30% PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic, our Round Twist Up Deodorant Container reduces the amount of virgin plastic used in your packaging without sacrificing aesthetics!

FSC® Certified paper packaging is another sustainable alternative that comes in handy for disposable products in particular. Paper that has been certified by the FSC® is guaranteed to be made from responsibly sourced wood fiber. Our FSC® Certified Paperboard Push-Up Balm Tube is fully recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable, making it a much eco-friendlier option compared to typical plastics. Not to mention, the simple, natural aesthetic of the design is perfect for housing many different types of formulas, from balms to deodorants to sunscreens and more!

Composed entirely out of abundant natural resources with the ability to be recycled again and again, glass is certainly a frontrunner when it comes to sustainable packaging materials as well. It provides protection and maintains freshness for sensitive formulas, all while embodying a simple, yet beautiful, aesthetic. Our EQO-Friendly Collection showcases a number of sleek glass jars and bottles, including a versatile set of 15 ml Glass Bottles. Perfect for everything from cannabis to aromatherapy products, these durable bottles come in a variety of colors with interchangeable caps designed to dispense any type of liquid formula.

At Qosmedix, we are committed to providing your business with eco-friendly packaging choices that are perfectly suited to your unique line of cosmetics. Our team stays up to date on the latest revolutions in sustainable packaging, constantly scouting out possible additions to our line-up of eco-friendly materials, including recent alternatives like mycelium and ocean plastics. To browse our current EQO-Friendly Collection and keep up with the exciting additions still to come, visit our online shop here.