Green cosmetic packaging

Green cosmetics packaging (Green Package) can also be called pollution-free cosmetics packaging and environmental friendly cosmetics packaging (Environmental Friendly Package), refers to the ecological environment and human health, can be reused and regenerated, consistent with the sustainable development of cosmetic packaging .

Its philosophy has two meanings: one is to protect the environment, and the other is to save resources. The two complement each other and are inseparable. The protection of the environment is the core, and resource conservation and environmental protection are closely related, because saving resources can reduce waste, which is actually the protection of the environment from the source.

From a technical point of view, green cosmetics packaging refers to an environmentally-friendly cosmetic packaging that is developed from natural plants and related minerals as raw materials that is harmless to the ecological environment and human health, is conducive to recycling, is easy to degrade, and is sustainable. That is to say, the entire life cycle of its cosmetic packaging products, from raw material selection, product manufacturing, use and disposal, should meet the requirements of ecological environment protection, and the three aspects of green cosmetics packaging materials, cosmetics packaging design and vigorous development of the green cosmetics packaging industry should be developed. Start with the realization of green cosmetics packaging.


Specifically, green cosmetics packaging should have the following meanings:

1) Implement reduction of cosmetic packaging (Reduce). Green cosmetics packaging should be a modest cosmetics packaging with the least amount under the condition that it meets the functions of protection, convenience, and sales. Countries such as Europe and the United States list cosmetic packaging reduction as the first choice for the development of harmless cosmetic packaging.

2) Cosmetic packaging should be easy to reuse (Reuse) or easy to recycle (Recycle). Through repeated use, or through recycling of waste, production of recycled products, incineration and utilization of heat energy, composting to improve soil and other measures to achieve the purpose of reuse. It neither pollutes the environment, but also makes full use of resources.

3) Cosmetic packaging waste can be degradable. In order not to form permanent garbage, the non-recyclable cosmetic packaging waste must be decomposed and decomposed, so as to achieve the purpose of improving the soil. All industrialized countries in the world attach importance to the development of cosmetic packaging materials that utilize biological or photodegradation. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Degradable are the 3R and 1D principles recognized in the 21st century for the development of green cosmetics packaging.

4) Cosmetic packaging materials should be non-toxic and harmless to humans and organisms. Cosmetic packaging materials should not contain toxic substances or the content of toxic substances should be controlled below the relevant standards.

5) During the entire life cycle of cosmetic packaging products, there should be no environmental pollution or public hazards. That is to say, the whole life process of cosmetic packaging products from raw material collection, material processing, manufacturing products, product use, waste recycling, and final disposal should not cause public hazards to the human body and the environment.

Among the above meanings of green cosmetics packaging, the first four points should be the requirements that green cosmetics packaging must have, and the last point is the ideal and highest requirement for green cosmetics packaging based on life cycle assessment and from the viewpoint of system engineering. From the above analysis, green cosmetics packaging can be defined as: green cosmetics packaging is a moderate cosmetic packaging that can be recycled, reused, or degraded, and does not cause pollution to the human body and the environment during the entire life cycle of the product.


Green cosmetics packaging has attracted the attention of the entire international community because of the special complexity of environmental problems and pollution. Environmental damage does not distinguish between national boundaries. Pollution in one country and damage to neighboring countries not only endanger the survival of ordinary people and society. Health, the production of enterprises, and the prosperity of the market have also triggered international disputes over natural resources through various channels. The necessity and positive significance of green cosmetics packaging are mainly reflected in:

Green cosmetic packaging can reduce environmental pollution and maintain ecological balance

If a large number of non-degradable plastics are used in cosmetic packaging, permanent garbage will be formed. The burning of plastic waste will generate a large amount of harmful gases, including the production of aromatic hydrocarbons that are easily carcinogenic; if a large amount of wood is used in cosmetic packaging, it will destroy the ecological balance. Therefore, green cosmetics packaging is adopted to protect the environment and maintain ecological balance.

Green cosmetics packaging conforms to the needs of international environmental development trends

Driven by the wave of green consumption, more and more consumers tend to choose green products that are not harmful to the environment. Products that are packaged in green cosmetics and have a green logo are more likely to be accepted by foreign investors in foreign trade.

Green cosmetics packaging is a requirement of WTO and related trade agreements

The 'Trade and Environment Agreement' in the WTO package has prompted companies from all countries to produce products and cosmetic packaging that meet environmental requirements.

Green cosmetics packaging is one of the important ways to bypass new trade barriers

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has formulated the corresponding standard ISO14000 for the environment, which has become an important non-tariff barrier in international trade. In addition, the European Community officially launched the 'European Environmental Label' in May 1993. The European Community’s imported goods must apply to its allies if they want to obtain the green label. Products without the green label will be severely restricted to enter the above-mentioned countries. .

Green cosmetic packaging is the only way to promote the sustainable development of the cosmetic packaging industry

Sustainable development requires that economic development must follow an intensive model of 'less input, more output'. Green cosmetics packaging can promote the coordinated development of resource utilization and the environment.


Green cosmetics packaging originated from 'Our Common Future' published by the United Nations Commission on Environment and Development in 1987. By June 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development passed the 'Rio Declaration on Environment and Development' and 'Agenda 21'. A green wave with the protection of the ecological environment as the core has been set off around the world. According to people's understanding of the concept of green cosmetics packaging at the same level, the development of green cosmetics packaging can be divided into three stages.

The first stage: From the 1970s to the mid-1980s, the 'cosmetic packaging waste recycling treatment' said that at this stage, the same collection and treatment, reducing the pollution of cosmetic packaging waste to the environment is the main direction. During this period, the earliest decree issued was the 'Military Cosmetic Packaging Waste Disposal Standard' of the United States in 1973, and the Danish legislation in 1984 focused on the recycling of cosmetic packaging materials for beverage and cosmetic packaging. China also promulgated the 'Disposal and Utilization of Cosmetic Packaging Waste' in 1996.

The second stage: from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s, '3R, 1D' said. At this stage, the US Environmental Protection Agency put forward three opinions on cosmetic packaging waste. ① Reduce the amount of cosmetic packaging as much as possible, and use less or less cosmetic packaging; ② Recycle commodity cosmetic packaging containers as much as possible; ③ Biodegradable materials should be used for materials and containers that cannot be recycled. At the same time, many European countries have also proposed their own cosmetic packaging laws and regulations, emphasizing that manufacturers and users of cosmetic packaging must pay attention to the coordination of cosmetic packaging and the environment.

The third stage: the 'LCA' theory in the mid to late 1990s. LCA (Life Cycle Analysis), the 'life cycle analysis' method. It is called the 'cradle to grave' analysis technology. It takes the entire process of cosmetic packaging products from the extraction of raw materials to the final waste disposal as the research object, and conducts quantitative analysis and comparison to evaluate the environment of cosmetic packaging products. performance. The comprehensive, systematic and scientific nature of this method has been valued and recognized by people, and it exists as an important subsystem in ISO14000.

Green cosmetics packaging is divided into A-level and AA-level. A-level green cosmetics packaging refers to the appropriate cosmetic packaging in which waste can be recycled, reused, or degraded, and contains toxic substances within the prescribed limits. AA-grade green cosmetics packaging refers to the appropriate cosmetic packaging that wastes can be recycled, reused, or degraded, and does not cause pollution to the human body and the environment during the entire life cycle of the product, and contains toxic substances within the prescribed limits.

The above classification is mainly to consider the first solution to the problem of waste after cosmetic packaging is used. This is a pollution problem in the process of environmental protection in all countries in the world, and it is a problem that needs continuous attention and resolution.

Attachment: The impact of cosmetic packaging waste on the ecological environment

〖Damage of cosmetic packaging waste to urban natural environment〗

The pollution caused by cosmetic packaging waste to the city occupies a large share of the total pollution. Statistics show that the discharge of cosmetic packaging waste accounts for about 1/3 of the weight and 1/2 of the volume of urban solid waste. For example, in China, the proportion of municipal solid waste is 15% of its weight and 25% of its volume. Based on this, the implementation of green cosmetic packaging is an inevitable trend in the overall development of cosmetic packaging in the world. Whoever realizes this first will be in an active position and invincible in the future competition in the world cosmetic packaging market.

〖Hazards of cosmetic packaging waste to human health and loss of natural resources〗

With the increasing scale of the cosmetic packaging industry, disposable plastic cosmetic packaging materials are widely used. Once materials such as portable plastic bags and disposable foam lunch boxes are discarded by people, a large amount of difficult to handle garbage is formed. The 'white pollution' on railways, highways, streets and lanes is very serious. When the breeze blows, cosmetic packaging paper, plastics and other cosmetic packaging wastes with various germs blow in the wind, blowing all kinds of germs into thousands of households and seriously harming them. People's health, the high prevalence of respiratory diseases in the world and the large amount of solid waste discharge have a great relationship. In order to ensure the health of all mankind, the world is eagerly calling for the development of green cosmetics packaging.

The waste and loss of natural resources caused by cosmetic packaging waste is also a concern. According to a prudent report by the American Midwest Research Institute on the cosmetic packaging industry from 1958 to 1966, the annual consumption of cosmetic packaging materials per person in the United States increased from 183kg in 1958 to 238kg in 1966. The American public was 25 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for 3.4% of the country's total output value at that time. In 1966, about 90% of the 23,503 tons of cosmetic packaging materials were thrown away solid cosmetic packaging waste and garbage, of which cosmetic packaging paper accounted for 42%. If every ton of waste paper is re-profitable, 17 trees used as raw materials for papermaking can be offset. Based on this, protecting the blue sky, clear water and green resources has become the common goal pursued by human life.

In 1975, the world's first 'green' logo for green cosmetics packaging came out in Germany. The 'green dot' logo of the world's first green cosmetics packaging is a circular pattern composed of a green arrow and a white arrow. The text above is composed of German DERGRNEPONKT, which means 'green dot'.

The two-color arrow with a green dot indicates that the product or cosmetic packaging is green and can be recycled and meets the requirements of ecological balance and environmental protection. In 1977, the German government launched the 'Blue Angel' green label, awarding products with green environmental protection characteristics, including cosmetic packaging. The 'Blue Angel' logo is composed of an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring is a blue wreath composed of the United Nations laurel wreath. In the middle is a blue little angel hugging the earth-like pattern, which means people embrace the earth. Above the outer ring is the German circulation logo, and below the outer ring is the name of the German product category.

After Germany adopted the 'environmental label', many countries have also begun to implement environmental labels for product cosmetic packaging. Such as Canada’s 'Maple Leaf Logo', Japan’s 'Care for the Earth', America’s 'Nature-Friendly' and certification system, China’s 'Environmental Label', the European Community’s 'European Flower', Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, etc. The 'white swan' of the Nordic countries, the 'green label' of Singapore, the 'environmental choice' of New Zealand, the 'ecological products' of Portugal, etc.

In June 1993, the International Organization for Standardization established the 'Environmental Management Technical Committee' (TC207), which formulated a set of environmental management standards like quality management. As of 2006, the TC207 committee has formulated some standards (such as ISO14000) and issued them for implementation. American business circles and cosmetic packaging circles have implemented the ISO14000 standard one after another, and have formulated related 'environmental report cards' to assess the life cycle of cosmetic packaging and improve the environmental management system of cosmetic packaging companies. Japan established an environmental audit and certification organization in October 1994. The European Community put forward the 'European Environmental Management and Environmental Audit' in March 1993, and it was implemented in April 1995. After entering the 21st century, some Chinese enterprises have also begun to implement the ISO14000 series of standards, but compared with foreign countries, there is still a certain gap.


Green cosmetics packaging design generally follows the so-called 3R principles, namely Reduce (reduce cosmetic packaging), Reuse (reuse cosmetic packaging), and Recycle (recycle cosmetic packaging and bury and dispose of).



Start with cosmetic packaging materials

1. Reusable and recycled cosmetic packaging materials

The land and forests are the foundation of human ecological balance, and the disaster caused by the wanton logging of timber to human society is immeasurable. In view of this situation, people can consider the use of reusable and recyclable cosmetic packaging materials, such as beer, beverages, soy sauce, vinegar and other cosmetic packaging using glass bottles for repeated use. After recycling, polyester bottles can be recycled in some ways. Recycling cosmetic packaging can be regenerated in two ways. The physical method is to directly purify and crush without any residual pollutants, and then directly use the treated plastics in recycled cosmetic packaging containers. The chemical method means that after the recycled PET (polyester film) is crushed and washed, under the action of a catalyst, the PET is completely depolymerized into monomers or partially depolymerized, and then the monomers are re-polymerized into recycled cosmetic packaging materials after purification. The reuse and regeneration of cosmetic packaging materials only prolongs the service life of plastics and other polymer materials as cosmetic packaging materials. When their service life is reached, they still face the problems of waste disposal and environmental pollution.

2. Edible cosmetic packaging materials

〖Edible cosmetic packaging film〗

This is a good way to solve the contradiction between food and cosmetics packaging waste and environmental protection. In the design of some food and cosmetics packaging, an edible cosmetic packaging film that does not affect the original flavor of the food can be made. By the 21st century, many countries in the world have developed many kinds of cosmetic packaging. For example, a company in Australia has developed an edible potato chip cosmetic packaging. People can eat the cosmetic packaging after eating potato chips. Another example is a British company that has made an edible fruit and vegetable preservative. It is a translucent emulsion formulated from sugar, starch, fatty acid and polyester. It can be covered by spraying, brushing or dipping. The surface of apples, oranges, watermelons, bananas, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables. Since this preservative forms a layer of sealing film on the surface of the fruit, it can prevent oxygen from entering the interior of the fruits and vegetables, thereby prolonging the ripening process and playing a role in preservation. The preservation period of fruits and vegetables coated with this preservative can be more than 200 days . The best part is that this preservative can also be eaten with fruits and vegetables.

The familiar glutinous rice paper used in the packaging of confectionery and cosmetics and the corn baking cosmetic packaging cup for ice cream in cosmetic packaging are all typical edible cosmetic packaging. Among the synthetic edible cosmetic packaging films, the more mature ones are transparent, colorless, odorless, non-toxic, flexible, and highly oil-resistant films, which are edible and can be used as food and cosmetic packaging. Its gloss, strength, and folding resistance are relatively good.

〖Edible plastic wrap〗

As early as the 12th to 13th centuries, China used wax to coat oranges and lemons to delay their dehydration and weight loss. Extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. In the 21st century, when the technology is developed, the edible cling film generally used in the 21st century has developed into a variety of functional properties, with obvious water resistance and a certain degree of optional breathability. Therefore, in the food industry, especially in the preservation of fruits and vegetables, it has Broad application prospects.

3. Biodegradable materials

Degradable material refers to a plastic whose chemical structure changes in a specific environment that causes performance loss within a specific period of time. Degradable plastic cosmetic packaging materials not only have the functions and characteristics of traditional plastics, but also can split, degrade and restore in the natural environment through the action of ultraviolet light in the sun or the action of microorganisms in the soil and water after their service life. The poisonous form re-enters the ecological environment and returns to nature. For example, a French dairy product company mixes the substances extracted from sugar beet with minerals to make a kind of ecological cosmetic packaging box.

4. Paper material

The raw material of paper is mainly natural plant fiber, which will decay quickly in nature and will not cause environmental pollution. It can also be recycled and remade into paper. Therefore, many large international companies use recyclable paper for annual reports and promotional materials, and use recycled paper to make letterhead and letter paper to reflect their green mission of caring about the environment, and at the same time establish a good corporate image. Paper materials are also used for many purposes, such as pulp injection molding parts, composite materials, and building materials. In addition to the advantages of light weight, low price, shock resistance, etc., pulp molded products also have good air permeability, which is beneficial to the preservation of fresh goods. In international commodity circulation, they are widely used in eggs, fruits, glass products and other fragile products. , On the packaging of turnover cosmetics that are easy to break and are afraid of being squeezed.

In addition, cosmetic packaging designers can use pure and natural materials to improve the cosmetic packaging design. For example, a bowl-shaped container designed with coconut shells can be cleverly designed into food and cosmetic packaging. Reduce the types and quantities of cosmetic packaging materials. The types of cosmetic packaging products should be as few as possible. Generally, cosmetic packaging designers use different kinds of materials as much as possible to attract more and more consumers and improve the quality of their products. Some cosmetic packaging has many parts. If one component can be used, and a single type of material can be used, use one as much as possible, which is more conducive to the recycling of products. As a cosmetic packaging designer, he has the responsibility and obligation to make sufficient estimates for the social and ecological effects of the cosmetic packaging that he designs. Use of harmless cosmetic packaging 'European Cosmetic Packaging and Cosmetic Packaging Waste Directive' stipulates the level of heavy metal content (lead, mercury, aluminum, etc.), and the lead content should be less than 100PPM. All countries should ban or reduce the use of certain cosmetic packaging materials containing lead, mercury or aluminum and other harmful ingredients in the form of legislation, and specify the content of heavy metals. The disposable foam plastic lunch boxes that are very popular on the market are not only non-recyclable. , And it is not easy to rot when buried in the ground for a long time. Incineration will cause pollution to the environment, so it must be banned from use.

Use cosmetic packaging design patterns and colors to arouse people's awareness of environmental protection

The patterns and colors of the cosmetic packaging of products do not seem to have much to do with environmental protection, but it directly affects the visual experience of consumers. If some environmental protection signs and environmental pictures are deliberately attached to the cosmetics packaging, it will stimulate consumers The brain reminds consumers not to throw away cosmetic packaging waste. The pictures on the packaging of some cosmetics often use pictures of beautiful landscapes, which can not only give people a visual enjoyment, but also enhance consumers' environmental awareness.


Selection principle

1. Use recycled materials

Choosing recycled materials can not only improve the utilization of cosmetic packaging materials and reduce production costs, but also save a lot of energy and reduce the consumption of other resources, while reducing emissions to the environment.

2. Choose recyclable materials

Selecting cosmetic packaging materials with good recycling and reuse properties is one of the effective ways to realize green cosmetics packaging. Polyvinylphthalate (PET) is a recyclable, clean, and high-quality plastic cosmetic packaging. It is often used in beverage and cosmetic packaging. Procter & Gamble (P&G) also uses it for cosmetic packaging and household cleaners.

3. Use degradable materials

Degradability means that within a certain period of time, cosmetic packaging waste that is not recyclable must be decomposed and decomposed to return to nature or ecology.

4. Try to use the same cosmetic packaging material

Try to use the same cosmetic packaging material as much as possible, and avoid the use of multi-layer cosmetic packaging composed of different materials to reduce the separation of cosmetic packaging from different materials and improve the recovery and reuse performance of cosmetic packaging.

5. Minimize the use of cosmetic packaging materials on the premise of satisfying the protection, aesthetics, convenience and sales of cosmetic packaging.

Reducing the use of materials not only means reducing raw material costs and processing and manufacturing costs, but also may mean reducing transportation and sales costs, as well as recycling and disposal costs after cosmetic packaging is discarded.

6. Avoid excessive cosmetic packaging

Excessive cosmetic packaging is of no use to consumers. When the packaging of cosmetics is reduced, the consumer's usage habits and the appearance of the product should also be considered. Some cosmetics packaging should also provide enough space to indicate various information about the product.

7. Reusable and refilled cosmetic packaging

Reused and refilled cosmetic packaging can increase the service life of product cosmetic packaging, thereby reducing the environmental impact of its disposal. At the same time, it is necessary to consider the cost of collection and cleaning of cosmetic packaging, as well as the impact on the environment; it is necessary to establish a corresponding refilling network and system.

8. Optimized design of cosmetic packaging structure

Green cosmetics packaging is realized through the structural design of cosmetic packaging. By changing the cosmetic packaging shape, the product transportation is more convenient for the convenience of transportation.

9. Improve product structure and improve cosmetic packaging. By improving the structure and shape of the product, the goal of improving the strength of the product structure is achieved.

status quo
China’s cosmetics packaging industry has grown out of nothing for more than a decade, and has made remarkable achievements from small to large. However, there is still a certain gap compared with advanced countries in the world, especially in the application of cosmetic packaging technology and cosmetic packaging equipment. Cosmetic packaging design mode and concept, etc.

In the 21st century, cosmetic packaging organizations around the world are actively working in the direction required by international environmental organizations, such as the introduction of new environmentally friendly cosmetic packaging ISO14000 standards and regulations. In contrast, China's environmentally-friendly cosmetics packaging has lagged one step further, and the domestic production capacity of environmentally-friendly cosmetics packaging materials is still very low. China's research on environmentally-friendly cosmetics packaging should focus on the practical application of environmentally-friendly cosmetics packaging.

Since the 1980s, 'green food', 'green clothing', 'green refrigerator', and 'green cars' have set off a huge green wave around the world. The annual per capita consumption of cosmetic packaging materials in foreign countries is more than 100 kg, 50 kg in the United States, 200 kg in Japan, 90 kg in Germany, 80 kg in the CIS, and 30 kg in China. In contrast, the annual per capita consumption of cosmetic packaging materials in China is relatively low. , But China has a population of 1.3 billion, so the annual consumption of cosmetic packaging materials is quite large. The recycling and reuse of two-piece and three-piece cans in the processing of aluminum cans in China is still quite prominent. China has not done enough in green cosmetics packaging design. Green cosmetics packaging design needs to be further developed in China.

Countermeasure
Actively develop green cosmetics packaging materials

The cosmetic packaging materials of export commodities can only be allowed to be imported into the importing country if they meet the regulations of the importing country, otherwise the customs of the importing country will not release it. Many countries restrict or enforce mandatory supervision and management of cosmetic packaging materials for imported goods in the form of regulations. For example, the United States stipulates that the packaging of imported cosmetics must not be made of straw, otherwise it will be forcibly burned. The Xinxi Temple Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries stipulates that the cosmetic packaging of imported products must not be hay, straw, bamboo mats, etc.

To this end, China has done a lot of work. One is to avoid the use of toxic materials. The pigments, dyes, paints, etc. used on cosmetic packaging containers or labels should be made of materials that do not contain heavy metals. As the adhesive of the joining material, it should not contain toxic or toxic ingredients, and should be easy to decompose during separation. The second is to use recycled materials as much as possible. Most of the recyclable materials used internationally are recycled paper, recycled cardboard boxes, molded pulp, paperboard and paper tubes made from waste paper. The third is to actively develop packaging materials for plant cosmetics. Plants can basically continue to reproduce and reproduce, and the large-scale use of plants will generally not cause harm to the environment, ecological balance and maintenance of resources, and is favored by the international cosmetic packaging market. The fourth is to use a single cosmetic packaging material. In this way, the material can be disassembled without using special tools, and the recycling and separation time can be saved, and the difficulty of recycling and separation caused by the use of bonding methods can be avoided.

Move closer to the world in terms of environmental labels

The ISO14000 environmental management system international standard stipulates that any country can refuse to import products that do not meet the standard, so that products that do not meet the standard are excluded from international trade. China's environmental labeling system has fewer products, far from meeting the needs of foreign trade development. Only by following this international trend and adopting active and effective means to catch up can fundamentally protect China's foreign trade interests. While typical leading the way, popularize this standard system. In addition, international environmental standards should be studied as early as possible, and the international standards can be transformed into national standards through administrative legislative procedures and promoted nationwide. Domestic supporting regulations related to the international standards should also be formulated as soon as possible.

To highlight the connotation of environmental protection in cosmetic packaging design

Designers must investigate the specific requirements of the international market for environmentally-friendly cosmetic packaging, such as exporting countries' regulations on environmentally-friendly cosmetic packaging, the depth of consumers' environmentally-friendly consumption concepts, green organization activities, and the development trend of environmentally-friendly cosmetics packaging, etc., in order to fully design cosmetic packaging. Consider these factors. In addition, environmental protection marketing signs should be considered in cosmetic packaging design. This kind of sign is different from environmental signs and can be designed by manufacturers, suppliers or wholesalers to indicate that a certain product has a specific environmental quality for consumption. The goodwill of the readers achieves the purpose of expanding marketing.

Businesses pay more and more attention to green materials, and it is more and more important to develop new environmentally friendly green materials. PACKMAKE is relatively mature in the development of using pure natural materials as green materials. For example, using leaves and bark as cosmetic packaging materials, using waste newspapers to process qualitatively as shock-absorbing fillers in cosmetic packaging boxes, using polymer technology to process and transform PVC waste, etc., to improve synthetic leather and reduce the application of leather leather .