This year we’re seeing new standards for sustainable packaging that are a must have to not only compete in the market but meet the needs of the consumer.
Gone are the days when you could turn out any old tat and expect to gain revenue for your efforts. As new brands enter the market, they are starting with sustainable packaging that meets all the needs and wants of their ideal consumer. This enhances their chances for success in an already cluttered industry.
Here are Seven Sustainable Packaging Trends to Include in Your Brand as You Move Forward:
1. Minimalism
Less is more isn’t a new concept for the beauty industry. It has relied on minimalism for many years to convey elegance and timelessness. In 2024 however we’re seeing an increase in minimalist packaging on the shelves. With a focus on simple packaging design, sleek and polished packaging draws the consumers eye to essential information about the product.
Minimalist packaging is a reflection of the skinmalism trend encouraging fewer products in skincare routines. Long and complicated skin care routines have wreaked havoc on consumers’ skin and they are no longer participating in damaging behaviour.
Consumers are seeking simple and fewer steps to preserve their skin. A 5-10 step routine has been rejected. Opting for multipurpose products with cleaner ingredients for a simple beauty regime, further supports the less is more minimalism packaging designs.
2. Recyclable Materials
“Recyclable packaging ticks many boxes for consumers to purchase and stay loyal. Only 9% of plastic can be recycled so seeing an increase in packaging that can reduce its environmental impact is a good thing.”
– thinkmagstudio
Consumers are seeking sustainable brands that include recyclable materials in 2024. They have become quite savvy and informed about what they want to put on their skin and if packaging materials can be safely recycled.
Recyclable packaging ticks many boxes for consumers to purchase and stay loyal. Materials such as glass, wood, and cork are growing in popularity.
We can also expect to see more companies opting for paper and cardboard packaging. A slimmed down quiet approach if you will.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, there has been a lot of attention surrounding how much waste is being generated.
Non-biodegradable waste is predicted to increase by 3.4 billion metric tons globally by 2050. A number of factors such as economic and population growth, not to mention the change in consumer shopping habits have led to more shipping materials being disposed of by the nano-second.
Only 9% of plastic can be recycled therefore seeing an increase in packaging that can reduce its environmental impact is a good thing.
3. Biodegradables and Compostables
Biodegradables and Compostables easily break down in the environment leaving less ugly waste in landfills.
Expected growth of compostables is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 15.3% between 2021 and 2028.
The goal is to reduce the amount of toxic waste that can take 20+ years to decompose, so not only is it harmful for humans but plant and sea life. We put plant and sea life into our bodies don’t we? You get the picture.
4. Gender Neutral Packaging
Gender Neutral Packaging is entering the market as an inclusive and accessible option for consumers who care about their product messaging.
Brands are creating multiple versions of the same product that can be marketed to gender neutral consumers.
For example moisturizers, conditioners and shampoos will be packaged as gender-neutral over various products.
5. Plant Based Packaging
I’ve been watching the development of plant based materials enter the market for the last ten years and I must say it’s pretty incredible what we can do with technology.
A growing trend is the use of bamboo, cornstarch and sugarcane packaging making it biodegradable and eco-friendly.
It has been seen in the food and beverage industry and has proved to be quite successful. Will it be seen in the beauty industry is a question I am asking myself but I believe it has the possibility to enter the clean beauty industry.
These materials are extremely durable. I can see them being used for eyeshadow palettes, blushers or even tints as they are usually flat packed.
6. Reusable Packaging
Reusable Packaging is another growing trend due to environmental angst.
Companies are providing various ways to reuse a container multiple times before throwing it away or recycling.
The goal is to reduce waste and create more sustainable options for consumers who want to purchase products with this mandate.
Reusable Packing is expected to increase at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 6.8% from 2021-2028.
7. Refillable Packaging
Can you refill this? Many consumers are becoming loyal to companies that offer refillable packaging.
They want to use their packaging more than once, hence the growth of refillable programs and initiatives. L’Occitane has taken the lead with offering refillables and in France beauty brands have introduced refillable solutions to help reduce waste.
It does appear that the E.U. intends to lead the masses to a ‘Refill Revolution’ that is sure to become a global phenomenon.
Epilogue
The bottom line is beauty and skincare brands who change or start with sustainable packaging have a greater chance of succeeding in a highly saturated market.
Here is a selection of affordable semi- custom brand suites to rebrand or launch your clean beauty business available here.