Unfortunately, packaging is a necessity – one which carries both practical and legal requirements and implications. Although there are big advancements being made in packaging, we are currently still beholden mainly to plastic (incl. variables) and glass. All coming with their own set of environmental impacts and pros and cons.
Ultimately, we need to demand better-designed product packaging, and not only focus on what the actual packaging is made from.
What does an example of better-designed packaging look like? Containers that are designed for disassembly, with limited components and are airtight, avoiding oxidization and contamination of the product, thereby limiting the need for harsh preservatives. Once the product is finished, it should be 100% reusable, refillable or recyclable.
Below, we discuss the pros and cons of the different types of packaging you might find your products in!