Product packaging is an important part of the consumer experience and ensures that safe and high-quality products are delivered to the consumer. Today, product packaging has a high environmental footprint, both during production and disposal.
Our packaging strategy is focused on five key areas:
Recycled materials
Global production and consumption of virgin plastics continue to rise – and with limited access to correct waste disposal, this is leading towards worldwide plastic pollution, with implications for human health, animal health and our climate. We are committed to increasing our use of recycled materials in all our product packaging. In 2022, we improved our packaging data collection and recording system at a material level based on sold units. Our main primary packaging materials by weight are glass (48%) and plastic (40%). Therefore, we focus on moving towards more post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and glass across all our brands. By using PCR materials, we reduce the amount of virgin materials used and contribute to a circular economy. By 2025, we plan to have a significant share of our plastic packaging from either post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, or other sustainable materials.
Renewable materials:
Renewable materials sourced in a sustainable way are part of our strategy. Replacing finite and fossil-based materials with responsibly managed renewable materials can decrease greenhouse gas emissions while reducing dependency on finite resources. In 2022, 97% of our paper and board packaging was sourced from FSCTM certified sources or recycled materials. We will continue to aim to source 100% paper and board packaging from FSCTM certified sources or recycled materials by 2025.
Less packaging
The environmental impact of a product’s packaging can be reduced by improving the packaging design. Designing with the environment in mind gives us packaging that weighs less than comparable or previous packaging, eliminates unnecessary packaging and requires fewer natural resources to be made. In 2022, we took a conscious decision to eliminate leaflets from some Skin Care products. We have been working to find a good balance between more lightweight packaging and durability.
Refills
Refillable packaging increases the product life cycle, as the main packaging can be refilled and reused several times. Turning to refillable does not mean that we compromise on the quality or safety of our products. In 2022, we launched Feminelle Intimate Wash refills intimate care products with packaging that uses 73% less plastic than a new bottle. This led to reduction of 107 tonnes of virgin plastic (based on our assessment of one reuse).
Vice President & Head of South Asia & MD India,
Oriflame
Recyclability
Recyclability of packaging especially plastics is a complex topic and requires innovative redesign and packaging solutions. Without regulatory definitions for recyclability, we assessed our packaging portfolio in 2022 according to Industry Design for Recycling guidelines and developed Oriflame Directions for Recycling. Some of these directions include the use of colourless packaging and mono-materials or components made of compatible materials. By 2025, we aim to have 75% of our Cosmetics and Wellness products’ packaging designed to be fully recyclable, reusable, or compostable.
We believe in circularity, and we want to move from today’s linear take-make-waste model and contribute to a circular economy. Packaging accounts for 11% of our in-scope emissions under the Science Based Targets initiative. Therefore, actions to develop packaging with a reduced environmental impact will drive us toward our 2030 emission reduction targets.
