If you are looking for information about recyclable packaging materials for your cosmetic brand or company, you are in the right place. Hold your horses for a minute; we are about to start.
Whether you're a newcomer or an expert looking for specific information or a quick check, let’s start with a common foundation and a brief refresher to align on some key terms.
Here’s a guide to the key concepts to better understand the differences between materials and their environmental characteristics.
Eco-Sustainable Material: it does not compromise natural resources for future generations. Sustainability is assessed across the entire life cycle of the material, from the extraction of raw materials to its end-of-life disposal.
✔ Examples: FSC-certified wood, biopolymers from renewable sources, recycled aluminium.
Eco-Compatible Material: an eco-compatible material is designed to minimize environmental impact throughout its production, use, and disposal. It differs from eco-sustainability as it focuses on reducing environmental harm rather than preserving resources over time.
✔ Examples: Recycled glass, untreated paper packaging, uncoated wood.
Eco-Friendly Material: the term eco-friendly is more generic and refers to any material or product with a lower environmental impact compared to conventional alternatives. It does not necessarily imply long-term sustainability, but it suggests that the material is less harmful to the environment.
✔ Examples: Recycled plastic (PCR), natural cork packaging, biopolymers.
Recyclable Material: a material is considered recyclable if it can be collected, processed, and reused to create new products without losing quality. Recyclability depends on the purity of the material and the available recycling infrastructure.
✔ Examples: Glass, aluminium, certified paper, PET plastic.
⚠ Note: Composite materials (e.g., plastic + aluminum) are difficult to recycle.
Compostable Material: a compostable material naturally decomposes under specific conditions, breaking down into nutrient-rich compost that benefits the soil. There are two types of compostability:
✔ Examples: Biopolymers like PLA and PHA, untreated paper, and plant-based fibers.
⚠ Note: Not all biodegradable materials are compostable!
Biodegradable Material: a biodegradable material can be broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. The decomposition time varies depending on environmental conditions.
✔ Examples: Cork, wood, certain biopolymers.
Note: A material can be biodegradable but not compostable (e.g., some bioplastics take years to decompose).
For truly sustainable cosmetic packaging, it is essential to:
If you are looking to develop eco-friendly packaging for the beauty & luxury sector, mPackting offers customized solutions using innovative and sustainable materials.
Keep reading to explore the world of recyclable packaging materials for cosmetics.
Recyclable cosmetic packaging is designed to be disposed of through established recycling systems, reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy. The materials used should be easily separable, compatible with recycling facilities, and, whenever possible, monomaterial to facilitate reuse.
Here are the main recyclable materials in the beauty & cosmetics industry:
Some types of plastic are easily recyclable, including:
⚠️ Note: Multilayer or mixed plastics (e.g., plastic + aluminium) are not recyclable.
⚠️ Note: Chemically treated or painted wood may not be recyclable.
Some biopolymers can be either recycled or composted, such as:
⚠️ Note: Not all biopolymers are recyclable in standard waste collection systems.
For truly recyclable cosmetic packaging, brands should:
✔ Opt for monomaterials (e.g., glass without plastic, wooden caps without inserts).
✔ Avoid laminations and multi-material combinations that hinder the recycling process.
✔ Prefer FSC-certified or PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) materials.
✔ Educate consumers on proper disposal methods.
If you’re looking to develop high-end recyclable cosmetic packaging, mPackting offers tailor-made solutions for luxury & beauty brands.
Not all packaging materials can be easily recycled. Due to their composition, applied treatments, or difficulty in separating different materials, some end up in landfills or incinerators. Here are the main non-recyclable or difficult-to-recycle materials:
When plastic is composed of multiple layers of different materials (e.g., plastic + aluminium + paper), recycling becomes nearly impossible.
✅ Alternative: Monomaterial solutions such as certified paper, glass, or easily recyclable plastics (PET, HDPE).
Some types of plastic, while technically recyclable, are not processed in recycling centers because the treatment is economically unfeasible or degrades the quality of recycled material.
✅ Alternative: PET, HDPE, or compostable biopolymers.
Not all types of glass can be recycled. Some contain additives or chemical treatments that prevent them from being melted down with standard glass.
✅ Alternative: standard clear, green, or brown glass, which can be infinitely recycled.
✅ Avoid mixed materials that are difficult to separate.
✅ Use preferably monomaterial packaging to facilitate recycling.
✅ Prefer certified materials (FSC, PEFC, compostable options).
✅ Educate consumers on proper disposal methods.
How to Ensure You're on the Right Track When Developing a New Packaging?
To assess the environmental impact of a packaging solution, it is essential to use Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA). Keep reading to learn more.
Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) is a scientific method used to analyze and quantify the environmental impact of a product or process across all stages of its existence.
The goal of LCA is to provide concrete data on the environmental footprint of a product, helping companies and stakeholders make more sustainable decisions regarding materials, production, and disposal.
This methodology enables businesses to accurately quantify key parameters such as greenhouse gas emissions, natural resource consumption, and waste production, providing a clear overview of a product or process's entire life cycle.
Adopting LCA it’s also a strategic advantage for corporate reputation. In the packaging industry, LCA is essential for assessing the environmental impact of the materials used. Companies like mPackting leverage Life-Cycle Assessment to develop eco-friendly and circular packaging, helping brands reduce their environmental footprint.
Looking to explore sustainable packaging and Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA)? mPackting supports you in selecting the best recyclable material for your cosmetic packaging, ensuring a solution that balances aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
Our comprehensive process guides brands through every stage of packaging development, ensuring high-performance and eco-friendly solutions:
With an end-to-end approach, mPackting is the ideal partner to transform your cosmetic packaging into a sustainable and recyclable solution.
Want to make your packaging more sustainable? Learn more about mPackting.