One of the biggest industries in the world, the makeup and cosmetics economy is estimated to be $716 billion by 2025. Many customers prefer to shop online for products, resulting in the makeup industry being heavily impactful on eCommerce.
Due to the need for long-distance shipments in eCommerce businesses, packaging companies often use plastic for these shipments; the makeup and cosmetics industry relies on eCommerce for many sales, so makeup companies frequently pack 120 units annually.
If businesses continue to use plastic units for shipping, landfill taxes will continue to increase. Research on alternatives to plastic mainly focuses on paper, bamboo, and bioplastics.
Makeup
Various types of makeup include dry powders, waxy items like lipsticks, and liquids like nail paint. As a result, the cosmetics packaging market is complicated and diverse, with a strong emphasis on compact, mostly plastic and glass containers. These containers produce excessive packaging for a frequently minimum product — just a few milliliters for nail polish, mascara, and other products — often contains very little.
Additionally, the packaging used for individual units is only a tiny portion of the overall packaging waste, including large cardboard boxes and cushioning (foam and polystyrene) that may be utilized for wholesale delivery.
Due to the growth of eCommerce, we now purchase more items online, including different types of cosmetics.
Skincare
Some may argue that switching to bamboo skincare packaging is more accessible than switching to bamboo cosmetics packaging. Many skincare products come in much more uniform containers with cardboard or readily recyclable exterior packaging (for example).
Again, the difficulty is making the most of bamboo rather than using it only as an ornament without creating sustainable packaging. For instance, it’s typical to see “bamboo packaging” refer to plastic jars with bamboo caps.
Consumers have become more savvy about deceptive marketing tactics and when a company genuinely tries to use eco-friendly packaging and other initiatives.
By lowering packing costs, firms have a concrete opportunity to increase profits.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a perennial blooming plant that is evergreen. According to science, it comprises the most prominent grasses on Earth and belongs to the Poaceae family of grasses’ Bambusoideae subfamily.
Three taxonomic types of bamboo:
- Arundinarieae (Temperate Woody Bamboos)
- Bambuseae (Tropical woody bamboo)
- Olyreae (Herbaceous bamboo species)
The sheath, which naturally sheds as a plant age and becomes a mature plant, is typically used to create disposable bamboo packaging. The sheaths are gathered, boiled, laminated, and then formed into the proper shape by pressing them into molds.
Benefits to Bamboo
Powerful and Flexible material
Bamboo is resistant to tension or “pulling” forces because it has impressive tensile strength—even higher than steel.
Due to its flexibility, it can be shaped into various shapes that are protective of the things contained within and gentle to them.
Additionally to other sectors, this is advantageous for bamboo cosmetics packaging.
Due to bamboo packaging materials’ vast recyclability, consumer electronics company Dell has used bamboo packaging to protect sensitive components during delivery, including the “chasing arrows” recycling emblem.
Biodegradable
There are several definitions of biodegradability, but generally speaking, biodegradable packaging materials must decompose swiftly in landfills or the open environment with no toxic leftovers.
There are several environmental advantages of bamboo. It establishes an intricate root system that aids in organically cleaning the water table, resulting in purer water sources downstream from the bamboo plantation.
Additionally, it uses less water during processing. All other water lost during manufacturing may be captured and utilized again, and since the processed bamboo can be air-dried in warm weather, little to no energy is required. The only water lost during production is due to evaporation.
Additionally, bamboo can trap carbon. Although estimates vary wildly, common data indicates that a single bamboo plant may store about 2 tonnes of carbon annually. At the same time, some sources claim that a hectare (metric unit) can sequester up to 17 tonnes.
Is Bamboo Efficient?
Bamboo production is quite efficient in comparison to other materials. Bamboo grows new leaves on its severed stems, which supply extra energy via the root system to accelerate the growth of new shoots.
With a carbon capture capability ten times that of trees, it’s difficult to argue against growing more bamboo, whether as a packaging material or a carbon sink.
Finally, bamboo is high in silicate acid, so it isn’t easy to burn. This is excellent news for commercial bamboo plantations, especially given climate change, rising global temperatures, and the increased risk of wildfires.
Are you thinking of recycling commercial waste in a sustainable way in your company? Give us a call. We look forward to helping the environment and your company.
