What Sustainability Means to You and Your Business

Beauty packaging is transforming as consumers become more educated about the sustainability of materials used and how these materials are sourced. According to Bradley and Jonina Skaggs of Skaggs Creative, the key to sustainable beauty is less packaging and more reusable packaging. However, “Until the big brands decide to make [sustainable packaging] a priority—and start to create less and more thoughtful packaging—consumers will continue to buy and create waste,” they say.

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How can estheticians assist their clients in choosing sustainable products that include sustainable packaging? The Skaggses say mindful unboxing is making its presence known, but there is still room to grow. “Smaller brands [are trying], but the difficulty lies in the supply chain. The packaging providers have been super slow in grasping the importance of sustainability and reusability.

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“There are a few brands we’ve worked with who asked us to help them with creating sustainable packaging by using less material; sourcing materials such as bamboo paper, banana husk paper, and hemp paper; and also minimizing the colors that are printed on the packaging… This is also a form of waste that most people (or companies) don’t take into consideration,” they say.

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The packaging trends that provide a big impact? “Containers that are refillable—but these haven’t caught on with high-end or luxury brands, as they feel these options aren’t ‘luxurious’ enough,” the Skaggses say. “[But] this will change in the near future as the educated consumer will start to demand refillable options on all levels.” The Skaggses also feel that QR codes and customer discounts will stick. And, “Less and lighter materials, reusable packaging, or no secondary packaging at all on reorders or refills” will be an important step in the right direction.