Sustainable Makeup Packaging Options: A Detailed Comparison
Consumers and beauty brands alike are becoming increasingly concerned about sustainability and reducing plastic waste from makeup packaging. Traditional makeup packaging often contains non-recyclable materials like plastics, metals, and glass that end up in landfills. However, various new and innovative sustainable packaging options are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives.
Here is a detailed comparison of the most popular sustainable makeup packaging options:
Recycled Plastic
Recycled plastic is one of the most common eco-friendly packaging options used by beauty and cosmetics brands today. It involves taking used plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills, ocean waste, etc., and reformulating it into new makeup containers and packaging.
Common types of recycled plastic used include:
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) - Commonly used for rigid containers and bottles. Recyclable.
PP (polypropylene) - Used for pot lids, hinges, and containers. Recyclable.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) - Often used for bottle caps and flexible tube packaging. Recyclable.
The main benefits of recycled plastic are its affordability and ability to give non-biodegradable plastic waste a second life. PET and HDPE are two of the most widely accepted plastics for recycling programs globally (1). So recycled plastic makeup packaging is likely recyclable again after use.
The drawbacks are that recycled plastic is still plastic-based and, therefore not biodegradable. And there is a finite supply of recycled plastic available. But it remains a better option than virgin plastic.
Some examples of brands using recycled plastic include L’Oreal (for containers, bottles, jars), The Body Shop (for bottles, tubes, pots), and MAC (for compacts, palettes, and bags).
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are an exciting innovation in sustainable packaging. Rather than formulating plastics from fossil fuel sources, bioplastics are derived from renewable plant-based sources like corn starch, sugarcane, or algae. This makes them biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Some common types of bioplastics include:
PLA (polylactic acid) - Made from corn starch or sugarcane. Used for rigid containers.
PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate) - Made from corn starch. Used for flexible film packaging.
PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) - Made by microorganisms. Biodegrades in soil and marine environments.
The benefits of bioplastics are requiring fewer fossil fuels for production and being compostable/biodegradable in the right conditions. However, their recycling capability is limited globally compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics. And they tend to be more expensive currently.
Some cosmetics brands using bioplastic packaging include Lush (for containers, films), Simple Skincare (for tubes), and e.l.f. Cosmetics (for tubes, jars).
Bamboo
Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that can be processed into a durable and renewable material for makeup packaging. It does not require replanting after harvest. Bamboo packaging options include:
Containers - For powders, creams, lip colors, etc.
Applicators - For brushes, puffs, spatulas.
Outer cartons - For palettes, and kits.
Benefits of bamboo include:
Biodegradable and renewable. Bamboo regrows after harvesting without replanting.
Naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking. Good for makeup tools.
Sturdy yet lightweight. More portable than glass or metal.
Aesthetically pleasing natural look.
The drawbacks are that some processing with chemicals is required to create smooth surfaces and prevent warping. And it is currently more expensive than traditional plastic packaging.
Examples of makeup brands using bamboo packaging include EcoTools (for brush handles), W3ll People (for compacts, and kits), and Burt’s Bees (for applicators).
Wood
Sustainably harvested wood is another natural material being used for green makeup packaging. Lightweight wood can replace plastic for compact cases, eyeshadow palettes, brush handles, and applicators. Common types used are bamboo, beech, birch, pine, and maple wood.
Benefits include:
Biodegradable and renewable when sustainably sourced.
Naturally beautiful and warm look and feel.
Customizable with different finishes and burn techniques.
Limitations are that harvesting and processing wood can be resource-intensive. And it lacks the portability of lightweight plastic. But wood still remains an eco-friendly option.
Some cosmetic brands using wood packaging include Kjaer Weis (refillable compact), Herbivore Botanicals (for palettes), and Elate Cosmetics (bamboo cases).
Paper
Paper is a traditional packaging material that remains popular for sustainable makeup packaging. Recycled paper and FSC-certified paper from responsibly managed forests are good options. Benefits are:
Biodegradable and recyclable material. Easily repurposed.
Extremely customizable with graphics, colors, and textures.
Lightweight and cost-effective.
Paper is commonly used for:
Eyeshadow palettes
Compact and lipstick boxes
Powder packets
Product inserts and guides
Limitations are paper is not as durable or moisture-resistant as plastic. But water-resistant coatings and treatments can help.
Some examples of paper makeup packaging are Milk Makeup palettes, Bareminerals powder compacts, and Ilia lipstick boxes.
Glass
Glass is an ultra-inert, impermeable material that can safely hold powders, creams, and liquids. Recycled glass is an excellent sustainable option, as it is fully recyclable repeatedly.
Benefits of glass packaging:
Infinitely recyclable without loss of quality
Impermeable - won’t react with formulas
Elegant and luxurious aesthetic
The drawbacks are it is heavier and less portable than plastic. And there is a higher risk of breakage/leakage. But glass remains a top eco-friendly choice for makeup.
Brands like Kjaer Weis, RMS Beauty, and La Bouche Rouge use glass for lipstick, foundation, and eye shadow pots.
Aluminum
Sustainably sourced recycled aluminum is used for makeup tins, tubes, bottles, and compacts. Benefits are:
Extremely lightweight yet durable
Resists corrosion and maintains integrity
Infinitely recyclable without loss of quality
Limitations are high energy requirements for refining and processing aluminum. And the cost can be higher than plastic.
But aluminum remains an eco-friendly option for packaging. Brands like Lilah B, Saie Beauty, and Juice Beauty use recycled aluminum for compacts, tubes, etc.
Cardboard
Recyclable cardboard is a highly sustainable packaging choice for boxes, shipping cartons, palettes, and inserts. Benefits include:
Made from renewable and biodegradable material
Extremely lightweight and customizable
Easily recycled and repurposed
Limitations are lack of durability with moisture exposure. But water-resistant coatings can help.
Eco-conscious brands like Yuni Beauty, Pacifica, and Athr Beauty use recyclable cardboard for palettes, kits, and outer packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most sustainable makeup packaging material?
There is no definitive “most sustainable” material overall. Factors like recyclability, durability, safety, and manufacturing processes determine how eco-friendly a packaging is. Glass, aluminum, and paper score very high for recyclability. Bamboo and bioplastics are renewable but may lack recycling infrastructure. Ultimately, recycled and responsibly sourced options of any material are more sustainable than new.
Is plastic or glass better for the environment?
For makeup packaging, glass is generally considered more eco-friendly than plastic. Glass is infinitely recyclable without loss of quality, while plastic degrades with each reuse. Glass is also inert and impermeable, so safer for cosmetic formulas. Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. But plastic has benefits like portability and lower breakage risk. Overall, recycled glass edges out plastic for sustainability.
Can you recycle makeup packaging?
Most makeup packaging can and should be recycled whenever possible. Plastics like PET, PP, and HDPE; glass; aluminum; and paper are widely accepted by municipal recycling programs. Exceptions are pumps, sprays, and applicators which may need to go in the trash due to product residue contamination. However, the bulk of rigid containers, compacts, tubes, and outer packaging can be recycled.
How do sustainable packaging materials affect makeup prices?
Currently, sustainable packaging options tend to be pricier than traditional plastic/acrylic makeup components which are mass-produced cheaply. But as demand, technology, and infrastructure improve, eco-friendly packaging prices are coming down. Conscious consumers are willing to pay a small premium for sustainability. In the long run, these innovations will help reduce environmental costs.
Does sustainable packaging work as well as regular packaging?
In many cases, yes - innovative brands are engineering recycled, plant-based, and natural packaging to be just as high-performing for makeup products as traditional options. For example, Gottlieb says recycled PET plastic retains all the moisture barrier and durability properties of new PET. With some materials like paper, extra coatings or treatments can help compensate for limitations like lower water resistance. Overall, sustainability and quality packaging are no longer mutually exclusive.
So in summary, there are now many viable sustainable options to replace plastics in makeup packaging, each with different benefits and limitations. The eco-conscious cosmetics sector will continue pioneering new plant-based, recycled, renewable, and upcycled packaging solutions that are kinder to the planet, without compromising on performance.
