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 acronyms used for plastics: PET, PE, PP, HDPE. What do these acronyms mean? And what 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, Vice President of Fusion PKG.

Alexander discusses the materials used to achieve product protection and durability. Together, they explore the intricacies of cosmetic packaging design and the future of sustainable beauty.

Inspirational Quote:

“The beauty industry has been slow to adopt truly sustainable practices. It is time for a radical change if we are to have a meaningful impact on the environment.”

– Alexander Kwapis, FusionPKG

IN THIS EPISODE WITH ALEXANDRO YOU WILL HEAR:

• Navigating the sea of ​​acronyms: Alexander breaks down the various acronyms associated with packaging materials, helping listeners understand the differences between PET, PP, HDPE and other plastics commonly used in the beauty industry.
• Overview of FusionPKG 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 materials (PCR) 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 PARTICIPATIONS INCLUDE:

• Understanding sustainable materials: Alexander emphasizes 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 preferred choices due to their recyclability and widespread use in 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 to achieving true sustainability: Despite the developments, the recycling infrastructure still presents significant challenges. Alexander discusses the limitations of curbside recycling and efforts by brands to incorporate take-back programs to improve recycling rates.
• The future of cosmetic packaging: The podcast discusses a future where chemical and molecular recycling can recycle infinite plastics, making sustainable packaging a reality. This innovative approach aims to break down plastics into their basic molecules, enabling endless recycling without loss of quality.

Meet our guest: Alexander Kwapis

Alexander Kwapis is the Vice President of Fusion PKG, an Aptar beauty brand and brings over 18 years of experience in product design and development. FusionPKG helps beauty brands stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly fast-moving 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 manufacturing facilities, package testing labs and a formulation lab. At FusionPKG, Alexander champions cutting-edge practices and materials aimed at reducing their environmental impact and providing 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.

Learn more about Alexander and Fusion PKG:
FusionPKG website
FusionPKG on LinkedIn
FusionPKG on Facebook
FusionPKG on Instagram

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Thank you for joining us on 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 at Facebook and Instagram.

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Lorraine Dallmeier is a biologist, certified environmentalist, and CEO of Formula Botanica, the award-winning online organic cosmetics school. Read more about Lorraine and the Formula Botanica team.