Opening Lines
The New Environmental Era
By Marie Redding, Senior EditorIt seems to be a unanimous feeling among beauty companies and suppliers that the push toward the development of “greener” packaging is here. In this, our annual Editors’ Choice Awards issue, several of our winners represent the new environment-friendly direction that the industry is moving toward. One of these winners is PlantLove lipstick by Cargo Cosmetics, which is featured on our cover. It is a winner in our cosmetics category. The lipstick’s case is made with NatureWorks PLA, a bio-based resin.
We asked John A. Delfausse, vice president of package development at The Estée Lauder Companies, if we can expect to see more of these types of resins used in the near future. “Bio-based resins have the potential to replace almost everything in packaging someday,” he answered. “Some issues do need to be resolved regarding [the resins’] long-term use, but they are definitely a part of the future solution.” Delfausse has become an expert on the issue of sustainability, due to his experience with Estée Lauder’s Aveda and Origins brands.
Our other Editors’ Choice Award winner with an earth-friendly mission is the Dr. Weil for Origins Plantidote Collection. We chose this skin care line as the winner in our new sustainable packaging category. The cartons in this line are the first to be made using 100% wind energy. (More details about these winners, as well as our other winners, can be found in our awards coverage.)
Delfausse makes sure that the advances made by one Estée Lauder brand influence other Estée Lauder brands. Moving forward, Origins has already committed to producing all of its cartons using sustainable energy. Delfausse’s next goal is for every other Estée Lauder brand to follow suit—a change that has the potential to make a significant impact on the environment.
Larger companies such as Estée Lauder have the power to make a difference. We can all do our part. If you would like to be more informed about the types of sustainable materials that are available, or have any questions about sustainable packaging, there are several sources to turn to for guidance. One option might be to join the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. Another resource is the Institute of Packaging Professionals, which recently formed a Sustainable Packaging Task Force.
It is definitely inspiring to know that our industry is beginning to take on a more active role in trying to improve the state of the environment. We hope that these “green” packages launched by Cargo Cosmetics and Estée Lauder will inspire you, too.