Advancing Circular Design for a Sustainable Future

Advancing Circular Design for a Sustainable Future

By Kenisha Cromity

Staff Counsel, PCPC

Imagine a world where the packaging for your favorite personal care products doesn't end up in a landfill but is reused, repaired or recycled multiple times.

Consumers and regulators have increasingly voiced a desire for sustainable packaging solutions or a circular design approach that reduces waste.

America Recycles Day on November 15 is an opportunity for the beauty and personal care products industry to reflect on how we can drive meaningful change through our sustainability efforts.

Many beauty products are made from multi-material components and often rely on unique packaging as part of their brand. Recognizing the impact that single-use products and packaging have in the environment, our industry continues to identify and implement new packaging solutions such as returnable packaging systems, recyclable or compostable design, or refillable product offers.

Circularity in packaging requires a collaborative and honest approach to be truly effective. It involves adopting a consistent framework to ensure uniform data and best practices across different regions. At the same time, it's essential to assess the environmental benefits of circular practices through impact assessments to ensure they truly contribute to sustainability. Localizing the supply chain for the lowest impact is always a best practice.

By focusing on new technologies and solutions, and continuously pushing for improvement, our industry's brands can lead the charge in transforming the packaging landscape. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability, we can harness the potential of existing materials and drive meaningful impact for generations to come.

Embracing circular design principles isn't just about meeting sustainability goals-it's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible for a sustainable future.