In a world increasingly aware of environmental issues, choosing the right materials for cosmetic packaging has become a priority for both brands and consumers. If you're wondering whether eco-refills or glass bottles are the best option to reduce our ecological footprint, this article is for you. Let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of both solutions to understand which one is truly the most sustainable.
Eco-Refills: A Plastic Alternative, Really Eco-Friendly ?
Eco-refills, often made of plastic, are commonly presented as an eco-friendly solution due to their lightweight nature and the reduction of plastic used compared to full bottles. But is this solution truly as green as it seems?
1. Less Plastic, But Still Plastic
Eco-refills generally use less plastic than traditional bottles. However, even with reduced plastic, they remain single-use products designed to be discarded after use. Once discarded, this plastic often ends up in landfills or the environment as microplastics, contributing to global pollution.
2. Recycling Challenges
Another problem with eco-refills is their difficulty in being recycled. Often made from flexible or multi-layered plastics, these refills are not always accepted by recycling centers. They end up being incinerated or buried, increasing the ecological footprint of cosmetic products.
3. A Solution Perceived as Weakly Sustainable
Although practical and resource-efficient, eco-refills often don't meet the expectations of environmentally conscious consumers. They are frequently seen as a false green solution due to the persistent presence of plastic, even in smaller quantities.
Glass Bottles: A Sustainable and Eco-Responsible Solution
Glass bottles are an older and widely used alternative in the cosmetic industry. But are they really more eco-responsible than plastic eco-refills?
1. Unmatched Durability
Glass is a durable material that doesn't degrade easily and can be reused multiple times. Unlike plastics, glass doesn't deteriorate or release harmful substances into the product it contains. This makes it an ideal option for cosmetics, where ingredient stability is crucial.
2. 100% Recyclable and Infinite
One of the biggest advantages of glass is that it is 100% recyclable and can be recycled indefinitely. Unlike plastic, which degrades over recycling cycles, glass can be melted and reshaped into new bottles without any loss of quality. This ability to be recycled infinitely significantly reduces its environmental impact compared to plastic eco-refills.
3. Reusability and Less Waste
In addition to recycling, glass bottles can also be reused by consumers, either for other household uses or for refilling with cosmetic products. This possibility of reuse reduces the demand for new bottles, thus limiting waste production.
The Deposit System: An Unviable Solution in Our Case
While the deposit system might seem like an ideal solution on paper, it presents logistical and financial challenges for an exclusively online store, and it's not always the best option to consider. After studying this possibility, here’s why we decided not to adopt it:
1. Cost of Returning Bottles
If we implemented a deposit system, the cost of returning bottles – typically ranging from €4 to €9, depending on postal services and distances – would far exceed the cost of a new bottle. Even considering bottle reuse, the transportation fees for returns are too high to justify such a system, especially if we cover these costs for our customers.
2. Carbon Impact of Transportation
Glass, being heavier than plastic, also increases the carbon footprint of transportation. Increasing the number of trips to return empty bottles and redistribute them would significantly raise CO₂ emissions, creating an environmental impact that would negate the ecological benefits of the deposit system.
3. Cleaning and Refurbishment Costs
Even if returned bottles can be reused, they need to be cleaned and sterilized, which incurs additional costs (energy, labor, logistics management). Ultimately, these cumulative costs make the deposit system economically unfeasible compared to purchasing new glass bottles.
Eco-Refills or Glass Bottles: Which Is the Best Option?
The question of whether eco-refills in plastic are more eco-friendly than glass bottles depends on several factors. Here’s a comparison of the two options:
Environmental Impact of Eco-Refills
Eco-refills in plastic reduce the amount of material used, but they still contribute to plastic waste that is difficult to recycle. Their environmental impact is less clear in the long term, especially if these packages are not properly recycled. While they might seem like a greener option due to reduced plastic use, the long-lasting effects on the environment are concerning if recycling isn’t handled properly.
Environmental Impact of Glass Bottles
Glass bottles, although heavier and requiring more energy to produce, have the advantage of infinite recyclability. This means they can be recycled multiple times without losing quality, reducing the need for new resources. Furthermore, their durability allows for multiple uses, minimizing the need to produce new bottles. This long-term sustainability offsets the initial production impact, making glass bottles a more eco-friendly choice overall.
Why We Choose Glass Bottles
At ROOTS, we have chosen glass bottles for our products because we believe in a truly sustainable approach. While the option of eco-refills in plastic may seem appealing on paper, we are convinced that the long-term durability of glass is a more environmentally friendly solution. Our bottles are not only elegant but also designed to be reused or recycled infinitely.
To further our eco-responsible commitment, we offset part of our carbon footprint by donating a percentage of our revenue to Stripe Climate, a program that supports initiatives aimed at reducing carbon production. This allows us to actively contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions while continuing to offer high-quality products.
Towards Sustainable Consumption: And You ?
So, what can you do to contribute to this eco-responsible approach? Here are a few ideas:
- Reuse your bottles: Our glass bottles are made to last. Reuse them for homemade cosmetics or other purposes.
- Recycle properly: If you no longer need your bottle, make sure to recycle it. Glass is one of the most easily recyclable materials.
- Support sustainable practices: Support brands that adopt more eco-friendly solutions, such as glass bottles or recyclable packaging.
Together, we can make a difference. Every small action counts toward creating a more sustainable future for everyone.
Choose sustainability. Together, let's create a greener future.
