The Ultimate Guide to Clean Beauty Packaging
Clean Beauty Buzz - The Problem With Packaging
Clean beauty is bigger than ever with consumers seeking eco-friendly, natural products to add to their beauty routines. We’ve seen the beauty industry adapt to the growing need for products with ingredients that you can trust (and pronounce), but what about the packaging? What good is a “clean” product that comes in a box that will end up in a landfill?
At Genie Supply, we believe in products that are clean, sustainable, and kick ass. Products that are kind to your skin and the environment are becoming a must-have for beauty consumers.
Let’s take a deep dive into clean beauty packaging options and must-know industry standards. Have your cake and eat it too with clean products packaged in eco-friendly materials!
Every industry has its flaws and the clean beauty landscape is sorely lacking clear, industry-wide standards for what it means to be “clean.” With greenwashing and clean beauty phonies littering the beauty industry, consumers are confused to say the least.
Clean beauty products paired with sustainable packaging “...give beauty brands an all-inclusive message about ingredients and packaging when it comes to safety, for both consumers and the environment.”
- Vonda Simon, President of SeaCliff Beauty
Trusted retailers, such as Credo Beauty and Sephora, hit the clean beauty scammers where it hurts with their strict guidelines and clarifications of what it means to be “clean.”
Each retailer perpetually adjusts its standards for clean beauty and its packaging to ensure that sustainability is something that both consumers and brands can comprehend.
Credo Beauty’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines
Only 10% of 122 billion beauty packages manufactured per year are recycled (Source). Recently, Credo Beauty updated its guidelines to combat the clean beauty packaging crisis by:
● Blacklisting sheet masks (single-use items / single-use plastics)
● Requiring 50% post-consumer recycled content (PCR) on packaging by 2024
● Committing to business practices that promote refillable products
● Condemning packaging that contributes to landfill waste
View the full description of Credo’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines here.
Sephora’s Clean + Planet Positive Guidelines
Sephora follows closely behind Credo Beauty as one of the leading voices in clean beauty packaging and business practices. To satisfy Sephora’s take on clean beauty packaging, brands must:
● Commit to recyclable materials in formula & packaging
● Implement refillable components and eliminate waste
● Incorporate PCR materials anywhere possible
To learn more about Sephora’s sustainable packaging guidelines, click here.
Crazy enough, Credo Beauty and Sephora are lonely soldiers when it comes to the fight to keep our planet green in the beauty industry.
Without a federal mandate in sight to protect consumers from harmful ingredients and wasteful plastics, the quest for clean beauty packaging can seem daunting. However, consumers’ need for guilt-free cosmetics and skincare remains at the forefront of beauty trends for the foreseeable future.
Clean Beauty Packaging – What Gives?
Before talks of clean beauty or sustainable packaging, the industry standard was cold, hard (virgin) plastic. With its maximized durability and customizability, plastic seemed like a no-brainer for manufacturers everywhere.
Not to mention, plastic can be flexible or rigid depending on your needs.
However, not all types of plastic are recyclable and meet their fate in various landfills around the globe. In fact, it’s almost impossible to create 100% recyclable plastic due to its brittle components. One rule to remember is that plastic is not indefinitely recyclable.
We know what you’re thinking–Great, so what’s the alternative? Glass, paper, and aluminum are commonly used as substitutes for the dreaded plastic, but plastic doesn’t have to be (and in most cases can’t be) eliminated altogether.
The truth is, we still need plastic for flexible options like pumps, sprays, and sometimes caps. A happy medium for eliminating waste while still using plastic is to use post-consumer waste (PCR) components.
Genie Supply is proud to be the only clean beauty lab that commissions our own PCR packaging that we manufacture exclusively in-house.
There’s still a lot to unpack when it comes to packaging options. We made it easy by rating and compiling the best selections for clean beauty packaging and where to find them.
We’ll get into the nitty-gritty – labels, boxing materials, and stickers. Let’s get started!
Sustainability in Labeling: Your Options
Standard labels, despite their undeniable chemistry with beauty products (thanks to their high water and oil resistance), are made from non-biodegradable materials–including the adhesive.
Overall, we think it’s time to break up with standard labels. As your clean beauty matchmaker, we set you up with these eco-friendly alternatives instead!
To receive labeling through Genie Supply, create a custom upgrade to your private label order by contacting your representative.
Hemp
★★★★☆
Hemp labels use 20% more PCR materials than most clean beauty packaging. No trees are harmed in the making of hemp labels and its moisture durability makes it a sustainable packaging superstar!
Pros
● Mixed Material: 50% hemp, 50% post-consumer waste
● No fossil fuels required for manufacturing
● Fully Biodegradable
● 50% less water is required to manufacture compared to standard labels
Cons
● Not 100% recyclable, despite being biodegradable
Biostone
★★★★★
Named the “Most Sustainable Label for Cosmetics” by SWOX, stone labels are created by waste from mining. Not to mention, stone labels have high durability and are water and oil resistant.
Pros
● No trees, water, or chemicals are used in production
● Uses significantly less water for production compared to wood pulp paper
● Longer period for recycling (100+ years)
● Degrades under UV light
Cons
● Cannot be recycled like regular paper (requires UV light)
Kraft Paper
★★★☆☆
Kraft paper labels have a natural aesthetic, with rustic tan paper and an earthy feel. Its production requires fewer chemicals than white paper labels and is available in different types of wood pulp (i.e., bamboo and pine).
Pros
● 100% recycled, 50% post-consumer waste material
● Durable packaging
● Available in recycled or virgin paper
Cons
● Neither water nor oil-resistant
● Non-recyclable adhesive
● Production requires wood pulp
Sugarcane
★★★★★
Made of sugarcane waste fiber, sugarcane labels are the “It-Girl” of the clean beauty packaging landscape. No use of trees, made of certified compostable materials, and eco-friendly adhesive—sugarcane labels take the cake for sustainable packaging!
Pros
● Biodegradable
● Returns nutrients to the Earth upon biodegrading
● Renewable in less than one year (wood pulp products take 7-10 years)
● Recyclable adhesive
Cons
● Not recycled
Overall, labeling options that do not include wood pulp are the best alternatives for standard paper labeling. Don’t forget to check out the FDA Cosmetic Labeling Guide to make sure you check all the boxes when it comes to federal labeling policies.
Stick It to Plastics With Sustainable Stickers!
Standard sticker options are typically uncoated, 100% post-consumer waste stock in white or kraft options. Some companies also offer water-based ink to kick sustainability up a notch. From kraft to seed paper, let’s dive into clean beauty sticker alternatives!
To receive stickers through Genie Supply, create a custom upgrade to your private label order by contacting your representative.
Uncoated White Paper
★★★☆☆
Uncoated white paper is a common alternative to plastics in sustainable packaging. This option is cost-effective and great for starting out in clean beauty packaging. Despite its PCR and recyclable components, this option has practically no water or oil resistance.
Pros
● 100% recycled zero waste liner
● 100% post-consumer waste facestock
● Recyclable adhesive
Cons
● Low level of durability due to the lack of top paper
Uncoated Kraft Paper
★★★☆☆
Uncoated kraft paper is extremely similar to uncoated white paper, but instead has a natural aesthetic thanks to its tan color. Unfortunately, kraft paper is not the option for you if you’re looking for a water or oil resistant packaging.
Pros
● 100% post-consumer waste
● Recyclable when placed on paper
Cons
● Non-recyclable standard paper liner
● Low durability level
Varnished Paper
★★★☆☆
Varnished paper is a durable, zero-waste alternative to standard paper labels. The coating on top of the paper protects from scratching and moisture damage to prolong the sticker’s lifespan. However, varnished paper is not water or oil-resistant.
Pros
● 100% recycled zero waste liner
● 100% post-consumer waste white paper
● Plastic-free matte coating
● Protection against light moisture
Cons
● Lack of sustainable ink options
Stickers can be tricky when searching for a sustainable alternative to harmful chemicals and plastics. Be sure to always check for water or oil resistance qualities—especially if you are packaging a product that is oily or has high moisture.
Sustainable Boxes - A Home for Clean Beauty
Clean beauty products are not complete until they have sustainable boxing to pair with it. Let’s go through our favorite eco-friendly boxing options to help you get a better idea of what is available!
To receive boxing through Genie Supply, create a custom upgrade to your private label order by contacting your representative.
Seed Paper
★★★★★
Seed paper can be replanted into the ground to grow beautiful wildflowers, vegetables, and herbs. By using seed paper, you not only help save the environment, but you also give back to the planet in a meaningful way. Seed paper is arguably the best sustainable boxing option out there!
Pros
● Biodegradable
● No trees required for production
● Zero waste alternative for virgin paper products
● Supports North American biodiversity
● Free from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers
Cons
● More expensive in comparison to other options
Bamboo
★★★★☆
You’ve probably heard the buzz around bamboo’s eco-friendly properties—it saves water, saves trees, and provides a durable solution for your sustainable packaging needs. Bamboo is not totally water or oil resistant, but it stands up against moderate leaks or moisture.
Pros
● 70 % of water removed in production is returned to the Earth
● Durable packaging
● 5x more carbon dioxide absorption than wood pulp products
● Biodegradable
Cons
● Expensive production process
● Most sustainable when production is only 500 miles away from the bamboo source
Boxing is a major aspect of product presentation and should be carefully considered when choosing clean beauty packaging. Overall, it’s best to avoid packaging options that overuse natural resources such as trees and water.
Genie Supply’s Clean Beauty Packaging
Of course, we’re a little biased when it comes to our first choice for your cosmetic packaging needs. At Genie Supply, we’ve got you covered with our clean products and the pretty packaging that they come in.
Explore the Packaging Catalog on our website to get the full scoop on our available options. Utilize our Contact Us page, order directly from our website, or speak with your representative to receive samples of packaging. For now, here are a couple of our favorites!
Clear Glass Jar
★★★★☆
#187018
Exclusively composed of natural resources, glass is far healthier for the environment than plastic. Glass alternatives for plastic are a must-have for preventing unnecessary landfill waste. If you have a balm or moisturizer that needs sustainable packaging to call home, our white glass jars are for you!
Pros
● Recyclable Jar/Cap
● Cap made from 50% post-consumer waste by June 2022
● Can be custom painted to any Pantone color (matte finish)
● Perfect match with #125007 SKU
● Available in sizes 5ml, 10ml, 20ml, 30ml, 50ml
● 50% PCR materials
Cons
● Cap cannot be recycled again
White Glass Dropper Bottle
★★★★☆
#125007
If you’re craving sleek and eco-friendly packaging, we highly recommend our glass dropper bottles. Luxurious serums, liquid face masks, and liquid moisturizers are excellent pairings with our droppers!
Pros
● Recyclable (bottle, ring)
● Ring made of 50% PCR by June 2022
● Sleek, modern, minimalistic design
● Can be custom painted to any Pantone color (matte finish)
● Available in sizes 20ml, 30ml
Cons
● Cap cannot be recycled again
Rose Gold Glass Jar
★★★☆☆
#18020
Have a mind-blowing idea for a moisturizer or clay face mask? Our rose gold, glass body jars are perfect for containing luxurious, clean skincare.
Pros
● Available in sizes 10-60ml
● Recyclable bottle (glass)
● Can be custom painted to any Pantone color (matte finish)
Cons
● Cap cannot be recycled again
Aluminum Jar
★★★★★
#181112
100% recyclable with a rustic vibe, our aluminum containers are a match made in heaven for any brand with a natural aesthetic.
Pros
● Available in sizes 50ml & 100ml
● FDA approved epoxy phenolic material
● Fully recyclable
● Will not rust or deteriorate upon exposure to oil, water, or cosmetic chemicals
Cons
● Not the best choice for liquid products
Frosted Jar
★★★★☆
#189011
Like our clear glass jars, these frosted beauties go hand in hand with emollient moisturizers, creamy face masks, and more!
Pros
● Frosted clear glass jar, with cap choice; white, black, or chrome
● Polypropylene (PP) cap – will be made from 50% PCR by end of 2022
● Can be custom painted to any Pantone color (matte finish)
● Recyclable Jar, Cap
● Available in sizes: 5ml, 10ml, 20ml, 30ml, 50ml
Cons
● Cap cannot be recycled again
Glass Pump/Spray Bottle
★★★★☆
#129011
Perfect for any brand aesthetic with three cap colors to choose from, our glass pumps and spray bottles are amazing for lotions, eye creams, and serums!
Pros
● Frosted clear glass jar, with cap choice; white, black, or chrome
● Polypropylene (PP) pump/spray – will be made from 50% PCR by end of 2022
● Can be custom painted to any Pantone color (matte finish)
● 20ml, 30ml, 40ml, 60ml, 80ml, 100ml, 120ml
Cons
● Cap cannot be recycled again
You’ve Got the Deets—What’s Next?
At Genie Supply, we’re tapped into the clean beauty buzz and are dedicated to providing our clients with products and packaging that adhere to leading industry guidelines.
By June 2022, several Genie Supply product SKUs will be converted to 50% PCR materials.
We love to stay ahead of the game with our selection of Green + Clean products that already adhere to Credo’s Clean Standard and Sephora’s Clean + Planet Positive guidelines. Combine our Green + Clean product offerings with our new 50% PCR packaging and create the clean beauty masterpiece of your dreams!
Questions? Comments? Feel free to reach out to us at customerservice@geniesupply.com or give us a call at 812-329-1105.