We’re living in times when the planet shows clear symptoms of collapse. The signs are clear (melting ice caps, deforestation, global warming, fires, droughts, floods…). Every sector and field of business must commit to reversing a situation that has the future of society as we know it on the ropes. For too long, the market has been steered by a linear economy model that leaves behind a footprint that is hard to clean up and is supported by a disposable mentality and the abuse of limited fossil resources.
Packaging is no exception to this scenario and therefore plays a key role in building a new, smart and sustainable production model. Through innovation, packaging must switch to a new approach that complies with the most demanding policies and environmental protocols. As demonstrated at the latest ADF & PCD in Paris (a professional event that gathers the stand-out players from the perfume and cosmetics packaging industry), the sector is determined to achieve this.
Not only is this a demand from consumers (according to a report by Nielsen, more than half of consumers are willing to pay a higher price for environmentally friendly packaging) but manufacturers, laboratories and brands are also showing great determination in committing to a packaging design and manufacturing model that can become more than just a fad or passing trend.
RAFESA has been sharing its sustainable packaging vision with the market for some time through its cosmetics and perfume packaging items. How? By searching for and using environmentally friendly materials that meet the needs of each product (creams, lotions, perfumes, oils and other cosmetics). PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a perfect example. It is one of the materials most highly in-demand, highly resistant and 100% recyclable.
One of the ranges that illustrate this model are the packaging items made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which are entirely recyclable. They are also lightweight, resist impacts and flexible. The recycled glass and Green PE (made using sugar cane instead of oil as the raw material) packaging items are another example.
Not only that. We are also working on other not so visible but equally necessary measures. Our environmental commitment at RAFESA has been extended to distribution by purchasing an ECO-labelled van to ensure sustainable delivery to our clients. Efforts are also being made to obtain ISO 14001:2015 responsible company certification as soon as possible, which will reaffirm our desire to be a supplier that is committed to future packaging through actions in the present.
