A focus on sustainable packaging
During the Home and Personal Care Ingredients Exhibition and Conference India (HPCI) from 28-29 April, Mintel discussed the impact of sustainability in the beauty and personal care industry. The pandemic and lockdown measures have made Indian consumers more aware of their environmental impact and more than half are particularly concerned about plastic waste, which is the most widely used packaging material among beauty products. A throwaway culture, non-recyclable packaging and poor recycling facilities all contribute to plastic pollution. In response to consumers’ rising eco-consciousness, one area of sustainability that has become a focal point for beauty players is packaging. Over one-fourth of Indians agree that for a brand/product to be considered sustainable, it has to have eco-friendly packaging, while 27% attribute it to recycling programs and free from ingredients that can cause pollution. Furthermore, data from Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) shows that 7% of beauty and personal care product launches in India from January-December 2021 carried environmentally-friendly packaging claims compared to 5% during the same period in 2020, which closely links packaging to sustainability. For example, Colgate-Palmolive India launched recyclable toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes in 2021 in order to create a recyclable alternative to the billions of toothpaste tubes and brushes that end up in landfills every year.
Source: AFAQS.com
Natural ingredients are deemed good for both people and the planet
The emphasis on health benefits is a big draw to sustainable products. As many as 61% of Indians who describe sustainable beauty products as made of natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals are motivated to buy sustainable beauty and personal products to avoid chemicals that may adversely affect their health. More than half (55%) of consumers say they are less damaging to skin/hair while being more effective on their skin/hair concerns.
Source: Aloelab
Aloelab’s beauty line claims to be environmentally responsible as its products’ formulas are made from locally sourced and plant-based ingredients such as 100% organic Aloe vera juice. Using natural locally sourced ingredients enhances the positive skin benefits of products, at the same time minimising environmental impact. Highlighting natural claims, along with recycling initiatives, to respond to consumers’ growing interest in “natural”, while also limiting their packaging waste, can encourage their purchase decisions.
