Packaging
How do I package it ?
So it turns out formulating and making skincare isn’t just about the product and ingredients. There are so many other aspects to think about.
And one of them is packaging.
Product packaging has to be fit for purpose and product type, easy for a consumer to use, renewable, recyclable, green, earth friendly, ecologically friendly, sustainable ...
Phew !
So, here are some of the choices I’ve made for Tall Tui and my reasoning behind it.
Glass
I chose glass because it’s recyclable numerous times and easy to sanitise. It does take a long time to break down in the environment but it’s completely non-toxic while it does so.
The lid I use is ABS plastic and recyclable in many regions in New Zealand and worldwide.
Paper and Cardboard
I have chosen not to have any outer packaging, i.e, a box that the jar comes in, because this adds extra cost to the purchase price for one thing. At best this would end up in the paper recycling, but I figure probably pretty much immediately goes into a landfill.
I would love to know if you re-purpose the cardboard boxes that your cosmetics come in 🙂 Do let me know what you use them for !
Postage
I use newsprint and cardboard when wrapping for postage. When left in the environment to decompose, cardboard can take anywhere from two to five months. As opposed to plastic products that can take up to 1,000 years.
Courier Bags
Courier bags are plastic. These are recyclable in many regions in the soft plastic recycling bins at a growing number of retail stores such as supermarkets, organic stores, department stores.
Metal
Most metal objects will oxidise and form rust. Microorganisms will break these items down into simple molecules over several years. Tin and aluminium cans are easily recyclable in most areas but can take anywhere from 50 to 100 years to completely break down in a landfill.
Aluminium is infinitely recyclable. Which means that it can be recycled over and over again without any breakdown in the materials. This makes it one of the most valuable recyclable materials.
Recycling aluminium takes 95% less energy than making aluminium from raw materials.
Conclusion
So there you have it. The rationale behind Tall Tui packaging choices !
Long term, I would love to set up a return system where my wonderful customers can return their jars for cleaning, sanitising and re-use.
What do you think ? Do you have any ideas you would like to share ?