PACKING A PUNCH

Eco-friendly packaging is an idea that is hard on the heels of the sustainable beauty trend. Post the pandemic, it is viewed not just as a trend but as the future of the beauty industry worldwide. Kanishka Ramchandani explores this concept and its long term effects.

Ina thought-provoking move, e-retail giant Flipkart recently announced that it has cut down on the use of plastic packaging in its own supply chain to less than 50 per cent. Beginning May 1, 2021, Flipkart started phasing out plastic packaging from its operations in Maharashtra while replacing it with paper-based packaging. Some of the changes made include using eco-friendly paper shreds and recycled paper bags instead of poly pouches. This major step towards environment-friendly packaging is sure to set the tone for things to come.

Packaging in beauty products includes the primary packaging and the secondary one. For primary packaging, there is a conscious move towards glass and recycled plastic. In secondary packaging, there is much scope for innovation as it involves paper as the main component.

Himanshu Chadha, Founder and CEO, Aryanveda, explains, “Primary eco-friendly packaging is a pack close to the product. Secondary eco-friendly packaging is an extra packaging that stores numerous items that are ready to be shipped. Both the modes have specific magnitudes; however, their roles vary. Now, let us understand which one is easier to achieve. Using secondary packaging methods is relatively easier to achieve as it amplifies both sales and manages cost. Currently, all brands are looking to spruce up their goodwill in the market by going green. Thus, secondary packaging has been handy.”

The pandemic has contributed to the heightened awareness about green initiatives among consumers and it won’t be long before they start preferring brands that not only offer eco-conscious products but also extend their commitment towards its packaging. Sustainable packaging refers to packaging that has a lesser impact on the environment. Let us look at the efforts being taken for sustainable packaging in the beauty industry in India.

SUSTAINABLE INSIDE OUT

Sustainable beauty is fast becoming a customer priority across the globe, as per a report by Mintel. While innovations in ingredients and formulations of beauty products involve waterless solutions, upcycling et al, there is much to be expected in the packaging department, too. Refillable packaging formats are something to look forward to as they could keep overconsumption under check and promote a more circular economy, says a Mintel blog post on sustainable skincare. However, given the current sanitising protocols, it remains to be seen how this concept will garner momentum in the near future.

Chadha explains, “Sustainable packaging deals with the development and use of a package that endows towards sustainability. Sustainable packaging is highly pivotal as it helps reduce the ecological footprints of all the stages in a product lifecycle. Therefore, both producers and consumers can reduce their environmental impact with the help of sustainable packaging. Our brand has contributed towards sustainable packaging by forming reusable and recyclables packages. Also, our manufacturers are using a method that reduces ecological footprints. We understand the need for green beauty and what are the challenges that nature faces. All these factors entail sustainable packaging.”

He continues, “Making eco-friendly products is our priority, and our manufacturing team is working on it. They use methods that reduce the carbon footprints. Firstly, our products are sourced, transported, manufactured and even recycled using renewable energy. Recycling the product with the help of renewable energy works like the cherry on the cake. Next, we optimise the use of renewable and recycled source materials. In addition, the production uses best practices to make healthy and eco-friendly packaging. All in all, our brand has shifted completely towards green beauty and sustainable packaging. Our consumers, too, understand the need for sustainability. Thus, moving towards sustainable packaging is done effectively and efficiently.”

Nitin Passi, Joint Managing Director, Lotus Herbals, adds, “Our brands follow the philosophy of sustainable packaging, and our plans involve making a conscious shift to more biodegradable options for even transportation and other tertiary packs. Our brands such as Lotus Organics+, Lotus Professional and many others use packaging that comes from 100 per cent recyclable materials such as paper boxes, glass bottles and jars, recyclable plastics, and aluminium tubes that speak of our commitment towards a sustainable future. One of our leading brands, SoulTree, uses biodegradable materials in packaging and reduces plastic waste using paper sachets and paper tapes.”

Dr Blossom Kochhar, aromatherapy expert and Director of Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic, explains, “Most of the professionals and beauty experts prefer to use eco-friendly packaging and disposals because of COVID-19 and to preserve the environment as well. We suggest that everyone should use eco-friendly packaging; even though it is an expensive affair, it is safe for the environment and future. At Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic, we have an environment-friendly and recyclable packaging for our customers. Our bottles, jars, and caps are also recyclable. We also ensure that none of our dispatch packing includes any plastic material.”

INTEGRATED APPROACH

Sustainable packaging rests on the three pillars of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. While corrugated cardboard is hailed as an environment-friendly product, it is more useful for packaging for shipping rather than secondary packaging of beauty products. That leaves a lot of scope for innovation in the sphere of secondary packaging especially as it involves the use of plastic lamination. Reducing the need for secondary packaging and/or making it reusable are ways in which brands can add to their efforts towards sustainability.

It would serve beauty companies better if sustainable packaging is considered an extension of their business rather than an added effort. Brands have to look at the larger picture while integrating sustainability in their practices. Today the market is teeming with beauty products that claim to be environment-friendly (and they are too, perhaps) but with plastic packaging, they are simply killing the whole point of sustainability. The choice of material and the design of the packaging as well as a linear thought process of how it will be re-used are some ways in which brands can integrate eco-consciousness in their business. There is definitely an immediate cost involved, but in the long term, it proves to be highly beneficial to the beauty businesses.

Passi says, “Lotus Herbals is not only a business pursuit but also an embodiment of our respect for nature’s delicate balance. Sustainability is not only in our DNA but also in our lifestyle. I have always believed that our vision involves conscious intentions towards a positive environmental impact. Each day, we keep learning and evolving while staying true to our roots of being synonymous with green, clean, ethical and sustainable beauty standards.”

As a professional haircare brand, Davines is amongst the top rated companies that are dedicated to sustainability. In terms of packaging, these are their f ocus areas:

• Their goal is to abandon the use of virgin material and ensure everything is recycled.

• Bare minimum quantity of material is used for packaging.

• Recyclable, recycled compost material and mono material packaging are preferred.

IN CONCLUSION

Chadha adds, “The future of the beauty segment towards sustainable packaging is to serve the customers with eco-friendly products. So our brand utilises the most sustainable packaging procedures that assist our team in shifting more towards green beauty. Even our products are filled with eco-friendly ingredients, and there are no harmful toxins in our product. In packaging, too, we have advanced machinery and technology that facilitates sustainable packaging methods. Fortunately, our customers are aware of environmentally-friendly and sustainable products. Therefore, consumers today choose brands that use sustainable techniques to manufacture a product. The future of the beauty segment lies in moving towards sustainable practices.”

Sustainability in beauty is not a trend or fad, it is a way of life. By adding eco-friendly packaging to their efforts, brands are bound to make a difference to the way beauty products are manufactured, shipped and used. 

Chadha explains, “Sustainable packaging deals with the development and use of a package that endows towards sustainability. Sustainable packaging is highly pivotal as it helps reduce the ecological footprints of all the stages in a product lifecycle. Therefore, both producers and consumers can reduce their environmental impact with the help of sustainable packaging. Our brand has contributed towards sustainable packaging by forming reusable and recyclables packages. Also, our manufacturers are using a method that reduces ecological footprints. We understand the need for green beauty and what are the challenges that nature faces. All these factors entail sustainable packaging.”

He continues, “Making eco-friendly products is our priority, and our manufacturing team is working on it. They use methods that reduce the carbon footprints. Firstly, our products are sourced, transported, manufactured and even recycled using renewable energy. Recycling the product with the help of renewable energy works like the cherry on the cake. Next, we optimise the use of renewable and recycled source materials. In addition, the production uses best practices to make healthy and eco-friendly packaging. All in all, our brand has shifted completely towards green beauty and sustainable packaging. Our consumers, too, understand the need for sustainability. Thus, moving towards sustainable packaging is done effectively and efficiently.”

Nitin Passi, Joint Managing Director, Lotus Herbals, adds, “Our brands follow the philosophy of sustainable packaging, and our plans involve making a conscious shift to more biodegradable options for even transportation and other tertiary packs. Our brands such as Lotus Organics+, Lotus Professional and many others use packaging that comes from 100 per cent recyclable materials such as paper boxes, glass bottles and jars, recyclable plastics, and aluminium tubes that speak of our commitment towards a sustainable future. One of our leading brands, SoulTree, uses biodegradable materials in packaging and reduces plastic waste using paper sachets and paper tapes.”

Dr Blossom Kochhar, aromatherapy expert and Director of Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic, explains, “Most of the professionals and beauty experts prefer to use eco-friendly packaging and disposals because of COVID-19 and to preserve the environment as well. We suggest that everyone should use eco-friendly packaging; even though it is an expensive affair, it is safe for the environment and future. At Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic, we have an environment-friendly and recyclable packaging for our customers. Our bottles, jars, and caps are also recyclable. We also ensure that none of our dispatch packing includes any plastic material.”

INTEGRATED APPROACH

Sustainable packaging rests on the three pillars of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. While corrugated cardboard is hailed as an environment-friendly product, it is more useful for packaging for shipping rather than secondary packaging of beauty products. That leaves a lot of scope for innovation in the sphere of secondary packaging especially as it involves the use of plastic lamination. Reducing the need for secondary packaging and/or making it reusable are ways in which brands can add to their efforts towards sustainability.

It would serve beauty companies better if sustainable packaging is considered an extension of their business rather than an added effort. Brands have to look at the larger picture while integrating sustainability in their practices. Today the market is teeming with beauty products that claim to be environment-friendly (and they are too, perhaps) but with plastic packaging, they are simply killing the whole point of sustainability. The choice of material and the design of the packaging as well as a linear thought process of how it will be re-used are some ways in which brands can integrate eco-consciousness in their business. There is definitely an immediate cost involved, but in the long term, it proves to be highly beneficial to the beauty businesses.

Passi says, “Lotus Herbals is not only a business pursuit but also an embodiment of our respect for nature’s delicate balance. Sustainability is not only in our DNA but also in our lifestyle. I have always believed that our vision involves conscious intentions towards a positive environmental impact. Each day, we keep learning and evolving while staying true to our roots of being synonymous with green, clean, ethical and sustainable beauty standards.”

As a professional haircare brand, Davines is amongst the top rated companies that are dedicated to sustainability. In terms of packaging, these are their f ocus areas:

• Their goal is to abandon the use of virgin material and ensure everything is recycled.

• Bare minimum quantity of material is used for packaging.

• Recyclable, recycled compost material and mono material packaging are preferred.

IN CONCLUSION

Chadha adds, “The future of the beauty segment towards sustainable packaging is to serve the customers with eco-friendly products. So our brand utilises the most sustainable packaging procedures that assist our team in shifting more towards green beauty. Even our products are filled with eco-friendly ingredients, and there are no harmful toxins in our product. In packaging, too, we have advanced machinery and technology that facilitates sustainable packaging methods. Fortunately, our customers are aware of environmentally-friendly and sustainable products. Therefore, consumers today choose brands that use sustainable techniques to manufacture a product. The future of the beauty segment lies in moving towards sustainable practices.”

Sustainability in beauty is not a trend or fad, it is a way of life. By adding eco-friendly packaging to their efforts, brands are bound to make a difference to the way beauty products are manufactured, shipped and used.