The cosmetic industry has come a long way from mere ancient rouge palettes more than 100,000 years ago. The industry now has a global market size projected to $295.5 billion in 2023. Indeed, cosmetics has become a lifestyle ingrained in several cultures worldwide. Unfortunately, research reveals that about 120 billion units of cosmetic packaging waste are produced annually.
As the industry continues to grow, its negative impact on the planet does, too. Companies have now shifted attention to environmental packaging solutions. In this guide, we provide details of sustainable packaging innovation and trends. We also unpack the future projections from sustainable cosmetic packaging efforts.
Green Packaging Innovation Trends in Cosmetic Tube Packaging
Cosmetic tube packages are widely used because of their convenience and durability. However, many tube packaging is environmentally unsustainable. Current statistics show that about 60 – 75% of consumers may be reluctant to purchase an unsustainable beauty product. Companies have begun incorporating environmental packaging solutions into their activities. Here are some green packaging innovations in the sustainable beauty industry.
Mycelium-Based Packaging
Mycelium is a fungal plant rapidly adopted by the sustainable beauty industry. This root can be grown in seven days and discarded in 48 days. Mycelium packaging is water resistant and can provide excellent thermal conditions. When produced in biodegradable cosmetic tubes, Mycelium eliminates plastic packaging. It also promotes the decomposition of packaging materials.
Post-Consumer Recycled Packaging
Predictions show that post-consumer recycling (PCR) packaging will grow to $72.93 billion by 2032. This packaging uses materials discarded by other customers to produce newer packages. PCRs are a great way to use recycled materials in cosmetics. They reduce the materials in landfills while raising awareness of the importance of environmental packaging solutions. Brands like Unilever, Virospack, and Geka recently filed for patents regarding PCR cosmetic packaging.
Biodegradable Cosmetic Tubes
Materials like glass, bioplastics, and natural fibers are one way to promote eco-friendly beauty packaging. The results are sustainable cosmetic packages that are durable and decompose quickly. Biodegradable cosmetic tubes are great for reducing carbon footprint. Sulapac is an excellent example of a company that explores biodegradable solutions for the cosmetic industry.
Minimalist Packaging
One foolproof way to reduce packaging waste is to reduce packaging production. Companies have found it sustainable to minimize plastic package production. Others have also cut back on the ink and design materials used in packaging. This trend has been very successful, with the annual production of cosmetic packaging soaring through the roof.
How Are Top Brands Exploring Environmental Packaging Solutions
Brands in the beauty industry have begun exploring sustainability as more than an afterthought. About 60% of cosmetic manufacturers have incorporated sustainable packaging in corporate activities. Some of these companies are identified below.
Albea Packaging
Albea Packaging is a sustainable packaging company famous for its CSR efforts. The brand collaborates with Elipso and Cosmetics Europe to assess the safety of cosmetic packaging. The company prioritizes manufacturing biodegradable cosmetic tubes. It uses PCR, paper-based, and recycling-ready materials to innovate green products. Albea aspires to reduce its plastic packaging by 10% by 2025, thus showing its commitment to the sustainable beauty industry.
Hoffmann Neopac
Founded in 1890, Hoffman Neopac is a renowned producer of everything tubes. The company produces more than 450 million tubes every year! It attempts to direct activities to establish new sustainable tube production. The company invests in sustainable manufacturing processes and supply chains to optimize sustainability.
APC Packaging
APC Packaging is known for its sustainable packaging solutions. Established in 2006, the brand has remained at the forefront of eco-friendly beauty packaging. Its mantra is to lessen the carbon footprint one bottle at a time. The company is very invested in PCR and deals with recyclable materials. APC Packaging offers a free consultation with packaging experts to give customers the best sustainable recommendations.
What are the Future Expectations of Eco-Friendly Cosmetic Tube Packaging
Sustainable cosmetic packaging awareness is on the rise amidst growing environmental changes. Brands are consciously adopting green packaging innovation in line with consumer demands. As technological breakthroughs occur, experts predict radical efforts in cosmetic sustainability will continue.
However, challenges may present in the form of costs. Environmental packaging solutions are expensive by nature and may discourage end users. Likewise, for every sustainable beauty company, ten other unstainable ones exist. Green packaging innovations may stall if cosmetic sustainability does not pick up sooner. Regardless, current statistics show sustainable cosmetic packaging is on the right track.
Final Thoughts on Sustainable Cosmetic Tube Packaging
Packaging waste products from the beauty industry have been proven to contribute to global pollution. Companies have attempted to tread the sustainable path by developing green innovations. Only a few beauty companies are actively involved in green packaging innovations. However, future trends reveal that there may be more if current efforts continue.
