Step-by-Step Sustainable Packaging Checklist for Beauty Brands

Ensure your product development process integrates sustainable packaging best practices from the start.

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Beautiful and sustainable packaging is no longer a luxury for beauty brands, it’s expected

Sustainable packaging is a trend that is now table stakes. Consumers are demanding it, and global regulations exist and are tightening. 

But the path to sustainable packaging can be complex, requiring a balance between aesthetic appeal, functionality, and environmental responsibility…so where do you start? 

At the very beginning.

As Kate Forbes, Head of Product Innovation at MECCA-Magination, aptly put it in our latest Sustainable Packaging webinar, 

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"So much of your sustainability impacts down the track are made with the decisions you make upfront." 

This insight is central to Phantm's approach to sustainable packaging, underscoring the importance of thoughtful, data-driven decision-making from the get-go.

Our Sustainable Packaging Checklist for Beauty Brands is your first step toward transforming your beauty brand's packaging development process to meet the demands of today's eco-conscious consumers.

Design Considerations

One of the first steps in sustainable beauty packaging is understanding that every design decision carries weight. When choosing a sustainable material, it's crucial to prioritise those that are recyclable, reusable, and sourced responsibly. 

For example, opting for post-consumer recycled plastic or FSC-certified paperboard not only reduces environmental impact but also aligns your brand with consumer expectations and industry standards. 

Additionally, design considerations should focus on minimising material usage without compromising the visual and functional appeal of your packaging.

Environmental Impacts

Consumers are increasingly eco-conscious, demanding transparency about the environmental impacts of the products they purchase. 

Our checklist (and Phantm) guides you in measuring your packaging's environmental footprint and understanding its broader environmental effects, including water consumption and fossil fuel use. 

By making informed decisions backed by verified data, you can set pathways for continuous improvement, ensuring that your packaging solutions meet current standards and anticipate future regulatory requirements.

Sustainable Procurement

Sustainable packaging isn't just about the materials you choose—it's also about how you source them. 

Ethical sourcing and sustainable procurement practices are essential in building a resilient supply chain that can withstand evolving regulations and consumer scrutiny. 

By aligning your procurement strategies with industry benchmarks and certifications, you future-proof your brand and build trust with your consumers.

Why You Need This Checklist

As a beauty brand, the decisions you make today will define your brand's sustainability narrative for years to come. This checklist offers a great starting point. 

It lays out the critical factors you need to consider to develop sustainable packaging that both resonates with consumers and meets industry standards. 

Join the ranks of industry leaders like MECCA, Unilever, and Thankyou Group, who are making informed decisions with independent guidance and ISO-certified data data provided by Phantm.

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