When you think of a multinational company that’s pursuing a sustainability course, chances are fast-food retailer McDonald’s might not be the first to pop into mind. But the global restaurant chain just released a plan to focus on recycling and waste reduction and the use of alternative energy sources. Economically as well as socially responsibly, it makes sense. After all, McDonald’s says each of its U.S.-based restaurants produces about 36 tons of corrugated cardboard waste a year, which can now be recycled rather than ending up in a landfill.

Sustainability is no longer a practice followed only by a few niche brands providing organic products in recycled packaging; while the degree of conformity varies widely depending on a brand’s DNA, it has become an overriding essential of doing business in nearly every organization—and benefits the planet at the same time.

In this month’s feature, “Sustainable Packaging in the Beauty World”, we’ve surveyed a number of leading authorities and industry suppliers to find out what brands are requesting of them, and where savings opportunities lie for partners throughout the supply chain.

From recycling to light weighting, tightly fitting caps to airless dispensers, plant-based materials to streamlined in-line decorating processes, you’ll find a wide variety of sustainable packaging components and processes throughout this issue.

Sustainability will also be a hot topic at Luxe Pack New York this year as the “premier show for creative packaging” celebrates its 10th anniversary in the Big Apple. Beauty Packaging’s session looks at examples of sustainable packaging and practices for marketing and operations benefits. Please join us at 4pm on May 16 to hear the views of Henry Renella, SVP for global package development, Estée Lauder Companies; Maria Archambault, AVP-technical packaging, L’Oréal USA; and Kelly Kovack, co-founder Purpose-Built.

HBA Global Expo—which marks its 20th anniversary this year—will also offer a green segment to its conference and exhibit offerings, when it opens its doors June 19-21.

For additional stories and research studies on sustainable packaging in the beauty world, please visit nitesh_bp.rodpub.com

Sustainable packaging and practices can benefit all.

Wishing you a wonderful show season,

Jamie Matusow
[email protected]