Thoughts on the environmental impact from cosmetics packaging, with a special focus on the carbon footprint. A detailed analysis leads us to seriously consider every aspect of the production process and how our containers are used.
5 June is World Environment Day and therefore a perfect opportunity to talk about these issues, which are of particular concern to RAFESA.
The Importance of the Carbon Footprint in Packaging
Whenever we design a product and come up with the packaging, we need to consider the impact it has on the environment. This includes such factors as how it is produced, its carbon footprint, its recyclability and the service life of the product. The carbon footprint is measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalent and mainly comes from two types of emissions: direct and indirect.
Direct and Indirect Emissions
Direct emissions are those that stem directly from activities controlled by a person or organisation, such as fossil fuel emissions when driving a car or heating a building with natural gas.
Indirect emissions are tied to the use of products and services, such as the electricity consumed by a factory or the energy used in the production and transportation of goods, which has a significant impact in terms of packaging.
Comparison of Materials
At RAFESA, we have always wanted to make comparisons using the most reliable data possible. We take a glass container, a PET container and a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) container, which are the materials most commonly used in our sector. We analyse a 100 ml glass container that weighs 196 g, a 100 ml PET container that weighs 16.4 g and a 100 ml HDPE container that weighs 14.2 g. The three containers can hold the same amount, but their impact varies considerably.
Glass has the greatest impact due to the energy consumption necessary for production and its weight, which directly affects the indirect emissions from transportation. We calculate the impact by considering the transport of raw materials, the manufacturing process, transport to the client (approximately 500 km), use and end of life.
Reducing the Impact
To reduce our carbon footprint impact, we have adopted a simple approach:
- Weight Reduction: By reducing container weight, transport becomes lighter and we reduce emissions.
- Process Elimination: For example, by eliminating lid metallisation, which saves a process and reduces energy consumption.
- Use of Recycled Materials: Making both the lid and the container from recycled materials further reduces the impact.
- Efficient Design: Using a lighter container design, such as the Laurence pot, which significantly reduces the impact.
In short, glass can have a high impact but it is not necessarily worse than plastic. It depends on the use made of the item and the analysis of total impact.
Choosing to reduce the container weight, eliminating unnecessary processes such as metallisation and using recycled materials are effective strategies to reduce environmental impact. Incorporating a lightweight design and recycled materials are examples of our commitment to sustainability.
At the end of the day, a complete analysis is essential and all the factors that affect the carbon footprint must be considered. At RAFESA, we continue to explore and apply solutions that not only meet quality and functionality standards but also respect and protect our environment.
