How to Recycle Cosmetic Packaging

Cosmetics are one of the necessities of modern people. With the enhancement of people’s beauty consciousness, the demand for cosmetics is also increasing. However, the waste of packaging has become a difficult problem for environmental protection, so the recycling of cosmetic packaging is particularly important.

The Treatment Of Cosmetic Packaging Waste.

Most cosmetic packaging is made of various plastics, which are difficult to break down and put a lot of pressure on the environment. The bottom or body of each plastic cosmetic container has a triangle made up of 3 arrows with a number inside the triangle. The triangle formed by these three arrows means “recyclable and reusable”, and the numbers inside represent different materials and precautions for use. We can properly dispose of cosmetic packaging waste according to the instructions and effectively reduce environmental pollution.

What Methods Are There For Cosmetic Packaging Recycling?

First, when we use cosmetics, we must first clean the packaging to remove residues to prevent secondary pollution, and then properly dispose of them according to the classification of waste products. Materials that can be recycled, such as plastic bottles, glass bottles, etc., can be put directly into recycling bins; materials that cannot be recycled, such as desiccants, foam plastics, etc., should be classified and put in accordance with the standards for hazardous waste.

Buy Environmentally Friendly Cosmetics.

Environmentally friendly cosmetics use recyclable materials as much as possible when packaging, and even use renewable resources for packaging to reduce environmental pollution. Post-consumer recycled plastic is currently very popular in the cosmetics packaging industry and has received a lot of enthusiasm from many brands. People are very happy that these plastics can be put into use again after being processed and purified.

In the past, recyclable materials were usually used in other industries, the following is the relevant knowledge.

| Plastic #1 PEPE or PET

This type of material is transparent and mainly used in the packaging of personal care products such as toner, cosmetic lotion, makeup remover water, makeup remover oil, and mouthwash. After being recycled, it can be remade into handbags, furniture, carpets, fibers, etc.

| Plastic #2 HDPE

This material is usually opaque and accepted by most recycling systems. It is considered one of the 3 safe plastics and the most widely used plastic in life. In cosmetic packaging, it is mainly used for the production of containers for moisturizing water, moisturizing lotion, sunscreen, foaming agents, etc. The material is recycled to make pens, recycling containers, picnic tables, detergent bottles and more.

| Plastic #3 PVC

This kind of material has excellent plasticity and low price. It is usually used for cosmetic blisters and protective covers, but not for cosmetic containers. Substances harmful to the body will be released under high temperature conditions, so use at temperatures below 81°C is restricted.

| Plastic #4 LDPE

The heat resistance of this material is not strong, and it is usually mixed with HDPE material to make cosmetic tubes and shampoo bottles. Because of its softness, it will also be used to make pistons in airless bottles. LDPE material is recycled for use in compost bins, paneling, trash cans and more.

| Plastic #5 PP

Plastic No. 5 is translucent and has the advantages of acid and alkali resistance, chemical resistance, impact resistance and high temperature resistance. It is recognized as one of the safer plastics and is also a food-grade material. PP material is widely used in the cosmetic packaging industry, such as vacuum bottles, lotion bottles, inner liners of high-end cosmetic containers, cream bottles, bottle caps, pump heads, etc., and is eventually recycled into brooms, car battery boxes, dustbins, trays, Signal lights, bicycle racks, etc.

| Plastic #6 PS

This material is difficult to recycle and degrade naturally, and may ooze out harmful substances when heated, so it is forbidden to be used in the field of cosmetic packaging.

| Plastic #7 Other, Miscellaneous

There are two other materials that are widely used in the field of cosmetic packaging. ABS, for example, is usually the best material for making eyeshadow palettes, blush palettes, air cushion boxes, and bottle shoulder covers or bases. It is very suitable for post-painting and electroplating processes. Another material is acrylic, which is used as the outer bottle body or display stand of high-end cosmetic containers, with a beautiful and transparent appearance. Neither material should come into direct contact with the skincare and liquid make-up formula.

In short, when we create a cosmetic, we should not only pursue beauty, but also pay attention to other issues, such as the recycling of cosmetic packaging.That’s why Topfeel actively participate in the recycling of cosmetic packaging and contribute to environmental protection.