Listen up - over 120 billion beauty product packages get produced globally each year. That sheer volume signals a major wake-up call. But through conscious choices lies potential for positive change. The path ahead requires cutting through oversimplification to explore end-of-life realities with eyes wide open.
At Upstate, we're taking accountability to evolve packaging from one-use disposability towards systems circularly designed - invested in everyone's long-term skin health and environmental wellbeing. Progress starts by acknowledging volumes, asking hard questions, and reimagining together. You ready?
Breaking Down The Recycling Barriers in Skincare
Skincare packaging inherently challenges sustainable recycling. Mixed materials like pump components sabotage recyclability while reusable pouches require returns to limited facilities - proving burdensome amid busy daily demands. Even the most eco-conscious consumers can reach points where recyclable materials enter overflowing general waste.
The path forward demands packaging innovations that transform single-use skincare models into circular systems - designed with recycling embedded into the structure itself for long term skin and environmental health. This embeds sustainability intrinsically rather than placing all responsibility onto already eco-stretched shoppers.
Progress starts by acknowledging where stumbles occur, even despite best intentions, so opportunities take their place.
The barriers to consumers adopting skincare refills center around concerns refills may compromise hygiene or product integrity. Filling one's own containers also deters some along with favorite brands lacking refillable options. Additionally, many don't connect how refills positively impact sustainability through waste reduction.
It is therefore important to offer a convenient, hygienic refillable system proving eco-efficacy need not mean efficacy compromise. By embracing "less is more" and condensing routines using fewer yet powerfully multi-tasking products, waste can be greatly minimized.
Introducing Conscientious Refillables
At Upstate, our approach is twofold - championing minimalist skincare and revolutionizing packaging. One of our core values is having multi-tasking formulations so you need fewer products. This is the easiest way to generate less waste, grounded in minimalist principles that encourage buying less and wasting less to effectively mitigate climate change.
With packaging, our refill system is incredibly easy for the customer. You keep the notoriously challenging to recycle pump part so it doesn’t end up in landfills. You only buy the inner refill insert which is so easy to recycle - simply toss the whole insert and lid into municipal recycling. It doesn’t get much easier than that! No need to separate different bits. This is a significant leap towards sustainability.
According to LCA Centre findings, using refills instead of entirely new packages saves up to 70% in carbon dioxide emissions, 65% of energy use, and 45% of water. Our refillable system is designed for convenience and hygiene, marrying sustainability with ease-of-use. Additionally, local sourcing and production further reduce our carbon footprint.
Paving the Way to a Sustainable Future
The path towards sustainability is complex yet increasingly urgent. Our refillable system and recyclable packaging represent tangible steps towards reducing waste within the 120 billion units the industry produces yearly.
As consumers opt for these refillable vessels paired with our recyclable serum refill inserts, they join a community of change-makers taking action too. Together, through mindful consumption and production, we can manifest positive change. Where skincare and sustainability harmoniously coexist through embedded circularity designed to lessen landfill impacts.
Join the refill revolution - save your skin, save the planet and save your wallet!
References:
The LCA centre, 2019
The Societal and Environmental Impacts of the Skincare Industry: A case for Innovation by Meghan Maupin B.S Architecture, University