Podcast 225: Can cosmetic packaging be sustainable?

As the beauty industry grapples with its environmental impact, the question on everyone’s mind is: can cosmetic packaging be sustainable?

Anyone looking into plastic packaging will be familiar with the sea of acronyms used for plastics: PET, PE, PP, HDPE. What do these acronyms mean? And which materials should beauty brands use when choosing packaging?

In this episode of the Green Beauty Conversations podcast, we welcome a packaging expert to find answers. Lorraine Dallmeier, CEO of Formula Botanica and Chartered Environmentalist, welcomes Alexander Kwapis, VP of Fusion PKG.

Alexander discusses the materials used to achieve product protection and sustainability. Together, they explore the complexity of designing cosmetic packaging and the future of sustainable beauty.

Inspiring Quote:

“The beauty industry has been slow to adopt truly sustainable practices. It’s time for a radical change if we want to make a meaningful impact on the environment.”

– Alexander Kwapis, FusionPKG

IN THIS EPISODE WITH ALEXANDER, YOU WILL HEAR:

• Navigating the sea of acronyms: Alexander breaks down the various acronyms related to packaging materials, helping listeners understand the differences between PET, PP, HDPE, and other commonly used plastics in the beauty industry.
• Overview of FusionPKG’s practices: While answering the question “can cosmetic packaging be sustainable?”, Alexander explains the approaches FusionPKG uses to create packaging solutions, which includes using post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials and designing refillable packaging.
• Challenges of cosmetic packaging recycling: Learn about the complexities and challenges involved in recycling cosmetic packaging, including the various materials used and the infrastructure needed to support recycling efforts.
• Innovations in refillable packaging: Discover how refillable packaging is becoming a viable option for many brands. Alexander discusses the types of refillable packaging available and the environmental benefits they offer.

KEY TAKEOUTS INCLUDE:

• Understanding sustainable materials: Alexander emphasises the importance of choosing materials that are recyclable and sustainable. If you have to work with plastics, then polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are highlighted as preferable choices due to their recyclability and widespread use in the industry.
• The role of post-consumer recycled materials: Alexander explains the process of cleaning, sorting, and reprocessing recycled materials to ensure high-quality packaging.
• Challenges in achieving true sustainability: Despite advancements, the recycling infrastructure still presents significant challenges. Alexander discusses the limitations of curb-side recycling and the efforts by brands to incorporate take-back programs to improve recycling rates.
• Future of cosmetic packaging: The podcast discusses a future where chemical and molecular recycling can infinitely recycle plastics, making sustainable packaging a reality. This innovative approach aims to break down plastics to their base molecules, allowing for endless recycling without quality loss.

Meet our guest: Alexander Kwapis

Alexander Kwapis is the Vice President at Fusion PKG, an Aptar Beauty Brand and brings over 18 years of expertise in product design and development. FusionPKG helps beauty brands stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly fast-evolving industry. They create innovative product solutions through an established presence with headquarters in Dallas, sales and design offices in New York and Los Angeles, and operations in New Jersey, China, and Mexico, including renowned in-house manufacturing facilities, package testing labs, and a formulation laboratory. At FusionPKG, Alexander champions cutting-edge practices and materials aimed at reducing their environmental impact and giving a variety of sustainable options to their customers. Alexander’s ultimate goal is to inspire a future where design, innovation, and sustainability coexist in perfect harmony.

Find out more about Alexander and Fusion PKG:
FusionPKG Website
FusionPKG on LinkedIn
FusionPKG on Facebook
FusionPKG on Instagram

Other related podcast episodes

• Episode 212 – Circularity and recyclability are two different things
• Episode 220 – Tom’s of Maine Sustainability Claims Lawsuit
• Episode 125 – ‘Refill, return, repeat’ with Beauty Kitchen

Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed listening, please share, subscribe and review this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Lorraine Dallmeier

Lorraine Dallmeier is a Biologist, Chartered Environmentalist and the CEO of Formula Botanica, the award-winning online organic cosmetic science school. Read more about Lorraine and the Formula Botanica Team.