In the cosmetics industry, the choice of packaging plays a major role. Pack design represents the face of the product in terms of aesthetics and functionality, and, when well designed, is an all-round expression of the brand and its values. The shape, colours and materials communicate a lot of information and have a great impact on the perceived quality, on the elements that characterise the product compared to others, and therefore on consumer choice.
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression, says an adage.
That is why good design requires careful analysis of trends and the possibility of making choices in line with market expectations. Choosing to produce packaging with a reduced environmental impact is one of the challenges – or rather, opportunities – of our time. Besides openly declaring one’s responsibility towards the environment and people, it is a strategic choice to compete in the market of the future.
The environmental impact of traditional packaging
The cosmetics industry is certainly a major user of packaging, but it is important to realise that, in many cases, primary packaging plays an indispensable role. In perfumery and cosmetics, packaging does not just contain the product: it is essential to ensure the consumer’s perception of quality and experience of use. Dispensing functionality, content protection and brand enhancement are key elements that cannot be sacrificed.
It is crucial to work on progressively reducing the environmental impact of packaging, without sacrificing its essential functions. Challenges such as the excessive use of traditional materials, particularly non-recyclable plastic, and the difficulty in recycling complex packaging, require an innovative and responsible approach.
Among the critical issues facing the sector are:
- excessive CO2 production: the production of materials such as plastic and glass involves significant consumption of energy and natural resources.
- pollution of the oceans: millions of tons of plastic end up in the seas every year, causing serious damage to marine ecosystems.
- poor recycling: the lack of adequate infrastructure and the complexity of many materials reduce the effective recycling rate.
The solution is not to demonise packaging, but to transform it. Investing in research into recyclable materials, reducing waste and optimising packaging design are key steps towards a more sustainable future. The cosmetics industry must therefore act as a promoter of cultural change, involving the entire supply chain to integrate sustainability into its processes, without compromising the quality and experience of its products.
The culture of sustainability
Packaging cosmetics in the most suitable container is one of the key steps in the production process. The product must be preserved in the best possible way so that it is not damaged during transport, if there are special temperature conditions or when exposed to light.
In addition to these quality precautions, there is a very important one: the chosen material. The cosmetics industry is under increasing pressure to meet the challenges of environmental sustainability in packaging. The massive use of materials that are difficult to recycle and the complexities of waste disposal (especially plastic) are a major stimulus to promote more environmentally friendly and responsible solutions on a global level.
As much as companies are converging on more sustainable solutions, it is important to know that even recycled packaging can harm the environment if it is not disposed of properly. It is therefore crucial to integrate a culture of sustainability into organisations, i.e. a circular and holistic approach towards environmental commitment throughout the supply chain: from the packaging design phase to the product life cycle, from production to disposal and eventual reuse.
Cosmetics and sustainable packaging
According to recent studies, a significant portion of municipal solid waste consists of packaging, some of which comes from the cosmetics sector. In recent years, thanks to social media, interest in beauty routines has led to an increase in the consumption of cosmetic products and, consequently, to the spread of packaging.
Plastic has historically been the material of choice for packaging due to its impact resistance, ability to preserve the product and relatively low production costs. However, its slow degradation poses significant environmental challenges, with potential impacts on ecosystems and the environmental balance.
Fortunately, the growing consumer focus on sustainability is prompting brands to review their choices, favouring more sustainable materials and innovative solutions. More and more people value products not only for their quality, but also for the brands’ commitment to reducing their environmental impact.
This is why it is urgent to orient business towards eco-design principles and to rethink the life cycle of cosmetic packaging, reducing waste and favouring reuse with careful and sustainable solutions.
The importance of eco-design
We at Eurovetrocap, with over 30 years of experience in the production of glass, plastic and aluminium packaging for the cosmetics industry, have embarked on a determined path towards sustainability. Witness to this is Zero In-Pack, our in-house laboratory dedicated to eco-design and focused on creating packaging solutions that minimise environmental impact without compromising functionality, formula quality and product aesthetics.
Our reduced-impact approach
With the aim of offering our customers the best customised and distinctive packaging solutions and, at the same time, providing the cosmetics industry with environmentally friendly packages and containers, we have expanded our standard product range. Without ever compromising on the product’s main characteristics, we strive to increase the level of circularity of the projects we follow with different eco-design strategies.
Weight reduction
Lower weight corresponds to proportionally lower impact values as the container requires less energy and material consumption. And for an even lighter and more sustainable set, we have also intervened on the packaging of our containers and the films that wrap them.
Materials with reduced environmental impact
We are committed to offering a growing range of recycled glass and plastic items, reducing the use of virgin materials. The Licata glass jar, for example, was our first cosmetic jar made from 60% post-consumer recycled glass.
Reuse
Cleaning and refilling the same container or reusing part of it is a good approach to avoid producing new ones and reduce waste. Refill systems can be of two types: refill from bulk liquid dispensers in the shop or with replaceable cartridges (in these cases a part of the materials is still discarded).
Pack design
Designing from the outset packaging made of easily recyclable materials such as glass, PP, PET, HDPE or aluminium is very important so that they can be effectively recycled once disposed of.
Materials with reduced environmental impact: innovation and sustainability at the service of cosmetics
The adoption of materials with a reduced environmental impact is at the heart of any organisational strategy that aims at precise circularity objectives, both from the point of view of social and ethical commitment and from the point of view of maximising all-round corporate sustainability.
Here are the main processes to achieve this:
- Post-consumer recycled (PCR): this is the best-known recycled material and is the best way to start a circularity process. Here, sorted household waste is delivered to sorting centres where it is separated by category and material, then shredded, cleaned and decontaminated until it is reprocessed into a secondary material.
- Post-industrial recyclate (PIR): this is waste from industrial production which, if well sorted, constitutes large volumes that, instead of ending up unjustly in landfills, can be subjected to the same recycling process as PCR.
- Closed-loop waste recycling: this is the process that many glassworks and plastic converters implement to reprocess part of the waste materials from their productions. It is useful to prevent and reduce industrial waste.
Our environmentally friendly materials
In our commitment to sustainability, materials with reduced environmental impact are a key component. Through continuous research and development, in addition to those already in our catalogue, we have integrated innovative solutions that respect the environment without sacrificing aesthetics and functionality.
PCR recycled clear glass
Recycled glass is a material that combines elegance and sustainability. Besides being infinitely recyclable without losing quality, it offers significant advantages in terms of reduced CO2 emissions and energy savings during production. Our recycled glass bottles and containers are ideal for skincare and fragrance products, providing crystal-clear transparency and premium aesthetics, perfect for communicating the values of sustainability-conscious brands.
It is worth bearing in mind that supply times are dictated by the rhythms of the glassworks, which launch specific production campaigns once or twice a year. This implies that if stocks of recycled items run out, supply chain times could be extended.
“UVAG” glass
“UVAG” glass is typically recycled from oil and wine bottles collected throughout Italy. The colour is typical bottle green, the intensity of which may vary depending on the shape and size of the bottle. This type of glass has excellent UV shielding properties, so it is excellent for preserving the product formula. As far as delivery time is concerned, the same applies as for transparent recycled PCR glass.
HDPE recycled PCR prime
This is a new material approved by our R&D team, replacing recycled HDPE (PCR) (Tech). The choice stems from the intention to reduce the gap between virgin and recycled plastic articles, as well as the need to convince brands to take increasingly virtuous paths. The raw material has a neutral colour, to which a white master is added during production, making the bottle white tending to grey. It is possible to foresee the colouring.
The advantage is that the material is readily available.
Recycled PET (PCR)
Post-consumer plastic (PCR) is a real alternative to virgin plastic, contributing to the reduction of plastic waste and the decrease in the use of fossil resources. Thanks to careful material selection and optimised production processes, our PCR containers offer the same performance as traditional plastic, but with a significantly reduced environmental impact. This solution is particularly suitable for make-up and travelsize products with a functional and sustainable design.
The raw material used to obtain recycled PET is milky with shades tending towards grey, yellow or green. The finished bottle can, however, be transparent with the same shade as originally and may have an irregular consistency. The material is available, although it is subject to significant price fluctuations.
Recycled PET PIR
Upon request of a minimum quantity of 50000 pieces, many bottles of our production can be made of recycled PIR material.
PP recycled PIR
This is the material used to produce jars, caps, lids, pumps and droppers. The raw material has a semi-transparent colour tending to a milky/yellowish colour that turns white-grey once a white coloured master is applied. The finished container may have imperfections and flow lines. The material is readily available and is compatible with semi-transparent and opaque masters for colouring.
Recycled PP PCR
This is the most commonly used material for customised projects. The finished article has a white to greyish colour, may have small dots and greyish lines and complies with the European REACH regulation.
Most of our PP and HDPE articles are also compatible with a new black master (NIR) whose formulation does not use carbon black, the pigment that does not allow black articles to be recycled. It should be kept in mind that a full black is never achieved, yet it is the right compromise between classic aesthetics and sustainability.
These materials reduce environmental impact and offer strategic communication opportunities for brands that choose them, highlighting a concrete commitment to sustainability. Thanks to our experience and advanced technologies, we ensure that each solution is optimised for the aesthetic and functional requirements of the product.
Tailor-made solutions: customisation and sustainability are the future
Adopting sustainable packaging solutions is a unique opportunity to reduce environmental impact, strengthen brand reputation and meet the demands of regulations and an increasingly aware market. Using materials with reduced environmental impact, whose design does not penalise either aesthetics or functionality thanks to the most innovative techniques, guarantees concrete advantages in terms of both efficiency and sustainability. Our tailor-made solutions, based on tangible and measurable actions, offer cosmetic brands tools to stand out and contribute to change. At Eurovetrocap, we are convinced, data in hand, that the future of cosmetics is sustainable: it is a path that requires commitment, innovation and a clear vision to create products that combine aesthetics, functionality and respect for the environment.
Our team is available to answer your questions and support you on your path to sustainability. Contact us!
