Beauty Packaging polled a number of beauty industry suppliers and asked:

‘What do brands ask for most frequently as far as sustainable packaging?’

Here are some of their responses. Spoiler alert: PCR and the 3R’s top the list.

Photo above: One of BillerudKorsnäs' sustainable innovations is the paper bottle, shown above, in partnership with Papoco. 

Robert Bulla, director of engineering & packaging, APC Packaging

“First words typically are ‘Do you have PCR’ and ‘How much of it can I get into the package?’ The next question will be ‘Can we get it in glass, if plastic is not available, and lastly biopolymers.’

Melanie Gaudun, business development manager, Viva

“PCR content as high as possible. Viva offers up to 65% in tubes and up to 100% PCR in tube caps, deodorant sticks and jars.”

Thomas Chun, project engineer, HCT Group

“We see more brands asking for more refillables lately. By having a reusable element, typically something more luxe like glass or metal, brands are able to maintain their existing aesthetics, while making a sustainability statement by minimizing the amount of single-use packaging.”

Maurizio Ficcadenti, global R&D manager Baralan Group

“Recently, the market trends are moving toward the use of glass and eco-friendly materials and brands are embracing recyclability. In addition, they prefer natural materials such as bioplastics which can be either recyclable or compostable.”

John Ulibarri, senior account executive, JSN

“Requests are a mix of PCR & Sustainability.”

Sean Kavanaugh, senior account executive, JSN

“PCR and sugarcane are what customers are asking about.”

Rosa Porras, marketing communications manager, Virospack

“A pack with components that are easily separated is really important for brands—because all materials together are waste and separated they become a resource.”

Syeira Simon, product development and formula innovation manager, Cosmopak

“They ask for easily recyclable options such as glass and aluminum.”

Federico Prestini, managing director, Premi Beauty Industries

“Brands ask for ‘green’ packaging, recyclable and sustainability. The possibility to separate the different materials after product use and to also have a ‘green’ formula.”
 
Inger Henke, business director, BillerudKorsnäs

“Transparency from suppliers as to the CO2 associated with their packaging and raw materials. The information should be granular enough such that all suppliers can be compared in a uniform manner.”

Brandon Frank, president of Pacific Packaging Components

“Currently, PCR is the most popular. Our PCR lotion pumps, treatment pumps, and mist sprayers are in very high demand.”

Read More

Brands and suppliers discuss the latest sustainable packaging innovations, advice on first steps -- and trends to keep an eye on in the near future in the Feature Article: On Becoming Sustainable ASAP