Everything about recyclable cosmetic packaging UK

What is recyclable cosmetic packaging and why does it matter?

Recyclable cosmetic packaging is small, lightweight, and sized for recycling. It can also be referred to as degradable or compostable packaging; It also has high recycled content (greater than 60%) that can be reused or returned to nature through composting via a very simple process called mechanical biological treatment (MBT) into bio-fertilizer and biomass fuel.

It’s no secret that the cosmetics industry is enormous – worth over $50 billion annually worldwide – but surprisingly is dependent on oil for its ingredients and production processes that, when combined with inefficient waste disposal practices, has resulted in a steady rise in plastic pollution.

Check out this Global Cosmetic Industry infographic featuring:

A quick look at the cost of waste disposal for consumer goods How the UK’s cosmetic industry compares around the globe The top 20 cosmetic brands in the UK and their environmental impact And much more!

What is causing the issue?

Global cosmetics companies are throwing away millions of pounds worth of natural resources every year. Not only does this ecosystem cause air pollution, but it also creates unnecessary waste that ends up in landfills where they can potentially leak toxins into our water supply.

There are over 80,000 tonnes of cosmetics produced annually in the UK; however, the large majority ends up in landfill or escapes into the environment due to inadequate disposal practices – mostly because UK don’t currently have easy access to recycling facilities for many waste types that contain cosmetic remnants, such as plastics. The situation is even worse internationally where there are no laws dictating the safe disposal requirements for consumer goods let alone those containing hazardous materials (e.g. pharmaceuticals).

In fact, some developing countries have seen an increase in diseases among communities consuming polluted water from rivers full of micro-plastics (Microsc pieces of plastic smaller than 5mm).

The benefits of recyclable cosmetic packaging in the UK 

Cosmetics that are packaged using recycled materials can be made from previously used or post-consumer waste, which is great for reducing global dependence on fossil fuels and toxic petrochemicals as well as decreasing the amount of refuse sent to landfills each year.

Recycling cosmetic packaging has become a standard feature of good corporate social and environmental performance. Not only are companies with products in recycled packaging more popular with consumers but they also receive substantial support from government agencies who look for reasons to give preference to those companies that recycle their waste. A recent survey showed that out of them, 84% of consumers were willing to pay extra for products that were in a recyclable container or package.

Recycling may be a small step in keeping our environment clean, but it’s also one of the most cost-effective ways to do so. Not only does recycling help save natural resources and reduce greenhouse gases; but by selling recyclables at market prices businesses can make money off these materials too! Recycling also presents an opportunity for firms to make extra money from the sale of recyclables…

Companies that recycle their waste avoid paying landfill taxes, which in the US alone cost about $25 billion annually. In addition to this financial incentive, there’s also a perception by consumers that these brands are environmentally conscious and good corporate citizens- something we can all benefit from!

The importance of collecting recyclable cosmetics packaging efficiently

It’s important to note that while these sustainable materials may seem more expensive at first, they are not only better for your skin but also your wallet (in the long run) since they require less energy to produce; in fact, some companies even produce recycled products at a lower cost, which in the end benefits everyone.

The high value and frequency of use of cosmetics products mean the packaging they contain is frequently being replaced. This waste, which may include glass containers, aluminum aerosols, and plastics, creates significant volumes of recyclable material that need to be collected in a way that does not impact curbside collection services for Recyclable cosmetic packaging in UK.

“With the increased consumption of personal care and cosmetic products due to factors such as population growth coupled with an aging demographic coupled with an aging demographic that consumes more cosmetics than ever before there will be increasing pressure for the resources sector”, according to Mark Herbert-Mitchell General Manager Sales at ResourceCo in Brisbane Australia, a leading waste management solutions provider established in 1979. “Concerns about landfills are driving people to look at other options about how to manage their waste and this includes the need for recycling cosmetics packaging“, he added.

What are the alternatives for non-recyclable plastic products in the future?

The future does not look bright for Biodegradable cosmetic packaging in the UK. Plastic has been a popular packaging material because it is strong, lightweight, and can be easily shaped into any form imaginable. However, due to the harmful effects of plastics on our environment, these products need to be replaced by recyclable alternatives as soon as possible. Manufacturers can use it in their cosmetic production for Recyclable cosmetic packaging in the UK. These materials are biodegradable and will decompose naturally if disposed of correctly.

Here are some of them:

1) PLA Filament or Bioplastic

This material is derived from cornstarch and is 100% compostable. They are used greatly in 3-D printing because they are very strong and versatile. The raw material costs at least $40 per kg, but it is expected to go down in price as more people use it in manufacturing products.

What can you do with PLA Filament?

PLA filament has been used in the production of cosmetic packaging such as tubes for lip gloss or toothpaste, bottles, caps, and even straws. It is soft and flexible and maintains its stiffness even when cold. This makes it perfect for creating brushes that will not bend out of shape. These brushes are first dipped into a paint-like liquid substance before being molded on a 3D printer. The entire brush is designed with a 3D program and printed out on the printer.

2) Sugar Cane Bioplastic

This bioplastic is extracted from sugar cane and has less than 50% of the carbon footprint that petroleum-based plastic has. It is also very versatile just like PLA Filament. As an advantage, it can be used for molding molds of different shapes and sizes depending on how you want to use them. They can also be molded into unique designs such as this bottle holder:

Sugar cane bioplastics are used in the same way as PLA Filament. They are mostly used for Recyclable cosmetic packaging in the UK such as lotion bottles or jars. It is a little more difficult to work with, though, because it does not keep its shape well and will melt if exposed to high heat. The material has also been criticized by some people who claim that it should be called “biodegradable plastics” because they only decompose naturally when they have gone through several stages of digestion over time.

3) Corn-Based Bioplastic

This bioplastic is derived from corn starch and is 100% compostable just like PLA Filament. Unlike  PLA Filament, this material is biodegradable in a shorter amount of time than Biodegradable cosmetic packaging. It will decompose naturally if placed in a compost heap or buried underground. This makes it perfect for cosmetics packaging such as tubes for lip gloss or toothpaste, bottles, caps, and straws.

The manufacturer’s page makes no mention of what corn-based bioplastics have been used for other than shampoo bottles and tubes. However, these bioplastics are expected to replace their petroleum counterparts by 2023 because they are more cost-effective to produce and result in less environmental impact than their predecessor’s Recyclable cosmetic packaging.

4) PLA Casing and Blister Packaging

These are paper-like plastics made from PLA (corn starch) and can be made using a commercial inkjet printer. They are also 100% compostable so they can replace PVC for Biodegradable cosmetic packaging UK in the future.

5) Laysan Sugarcane Bioplastic Case Studies

This bioplastic is derived from marine animal shells such as crab shells, worm shells, barnacle shells, and even fish bones. These shells usually end up in landfills after they have been taken off seafood or meat products. Fortunately, this material can be used to create bioplastics that will decompose naturally within 18 months! The shell pieces are collected by farmers who then sell the by-product of their harvest to processors. These shells are washed, cleaned, and ground into a fine powder that will be used to create bioplastic. This process replaces the petroleum-based raw material with renewable feedstock such as corn starch, wheat bran, and biomass. It is important to note that when these plastics are thrown into landfills, they do not rot naturally because they become waterproof when exposed to water. In fact, they resist lighting just like petroleum-based plastic in Recyclable cosmetic packaging UK!

Conclusion

Recyclable cosmetic packaging UK is the most eco-friendly because it can be reused and recycled, more than 100 times. Recycled paint cans are made from steel that has been melted down and poured into molds to make new containers. The word “recyclable” doesn’t mean that something will be recycled; it just means that a product or package has been designed to facilitate recycling when its useful life is over. If the product is not put in a recycling bin, chances are good that it won’t be recycled at all.