April 23, 2025
There is something special about packaging made from recycled plastic. Not necessarily in appearance, because often you can't tell the difference. It's what lies behind it that makes the difference. As sustainability has moved into the middle of the cosmetics industry, recycled materials — especially plastics — have become an important part of the conversation. And it's not just the big players who are looking that way. Smaller brands and independent manufacturers are now increasingly choosing rPET and other forms of recycled plastics as part of their packaging strategy.
When we talk about recycled plastics in packaging, we usually refer to plastics that have already been used once — most often as bottles or containers — and that have been collected, cleaned and converted into new raw materials. For example, it can be PET bottles, which after processing turn into rPET. The result is a plastic material that can be used again, but with a significantly lower climate footprint. For those who want to produce cosmetics thoughtfully, it can be a way to address both waste, resource consumption and the increasing expectations of customers.
For many consumers, the material matters as much as the design. We are seeing more and more people actively looking for products where the packaging tells a responsible story. And this applies not only at the checkout, but already in the search. People write things like “recycled plastic”, “how is plastic recycled”, “how much plastic is recycled in Denmark”. They want to know what things are made of -- and why. It puts new demands on you as a producer. Not just in the choice of material, but also in how you communicate it.
This question is often encountered. And the short answer is: yes, if it comes from a certified source. rPET and other types of recycled plastics are today tested and approved for contact with cosmetics. That is, you can safely use it for shampoos, creams or lotions — as long as the material is properly treated. At Packwise, all plastics, including recycled plastics, are carefully selected and tested, so you don't have to worry about the technical part yourself. You get access to documentation and advice that matches both production and regulatory requirements.
Recycled plastics are not just a climate benefit. It is also a decision that is flush with what more and more customers expect. Many have learned to sort garbage, and they think about what happens to what happens to what they throw out. When your packaging clearly shows that it is made from recycled material, you make it easier for the customer to make a choice they can vouch for. And when your choice simultaneously supports the existing waste infrastructure, it just makes even better sense.
Not necessarily. There are situations where recycled plastic is not the best choice — for example for very light-sensitive products or where special protective packaging is needed. In those cases, one can consider glass, aluminum or a refill model. But in many cases, recycled plastic is both a responsible and practical solution. It's about balance, and it's about choosing consciously.
https://www.packwise.dk/inspiration/blog/udvidet-producentansvar-i-danmark-what-to-know/https://www.packwise.dk/inspiration/blog/fremtiden-for-baeredygtig-og-okonomisk-emballering/
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