What is the most sustainable skincare packaging?

9 Dec

In the skincare industry, packaging plays a vital role in shaping consumer perception and communicating a brand's values and environmental responsibility. As consumer expectations evolve and new regulations encourage lower-impact solutions, many beauty companies are reconsidering how their products are designed, sourced, and experienced.

However, when it comes to sustainability, the aim is not necessarily to replace materials at all costs. Plastics still play an important role in many applications. The real opportunity lies in identifying renewable, responsibly sourced alternatives that are engineered for circularity. Recent scientific studies show a clear acceleration in research on biodegradable and bio-based materials, from wood–polymer composites to polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and cellulose-based solutions, signalling a shift towards what researchers call a "new generation of cosmetic packaging".

This guide explores what 'the most sustainable skincare packaging' could look like today, examining the materials that reduce environmental impact and the design principles that support circularity.

The challenge of conventional packaging

Conventional plastic packaging has long been central to the beauty industry, but its environmental limitations are becoming increasingly apparent. Most traditional plastics used in skincare products are not biodegradable, often ending up in landfills, oceans, or dispersed across natural ecosystems.

Scientific research highlights the scale of the issue: the global carbon footprint generated by plastic production and incineration reached 850 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2019, and projections suggest this could rise to 2.8 billion tonnes by 2050, an increase of more than threefold (ScienceDirect).

For the beauty sector, the challenge is even more pressing. Skincare products are usually packaged in small, multi-component items such as pumps, liners and closures in multilayer jars, which makes recycling difficult and often unfeasible. Furthermore, concerns over microplastics and petrochemical-derived materials have placed beauty packaging at the centre of regulatory, environmental and consumer scrutiny.

Consequently, there is a growing shift towards materials that are renewable, compostable or designed for the circular economy. As brands reconsider how materials are sourced, processed and disposed of, a new model is emerging that is centred around bio-based materials, mono-material design, refill systems and circular production principles.

While this transition does not eliminate plastic entirely, it does reframe it, placing sustainable materials and smart engineering at the heart of tomorrow’s skincare packaging.

Towards a new generation of sustainable packaging

The shift towards sustainable skincare packaging reflects a structural transformation driven by environmental responsibility, innovation and changing consumer expectations. Recent research introduces the concept of a “new generation of cosmetic packaging”, centred on materials and systems designed to minimise environmental impact throughout a product's entire lifecycle.

This new generation closely aligns with several key UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which encourages reducing waste and using materials more efficiently;
SDG 13 – Climate Action, which focuses on reducing carbon emissions across supply chains;
SDG 14 – Life Below Water, which addresses the urgent need to reduce microplastics and marine pollution.

In order to achieve these goals, an increasing number of brands are turning to biodegradable and bio-based materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), cellulose-based composites and wood–polymer combinations. Emerging technologies are also transforming the way skincare packaging is conceived and produced. 3D printing enables the creation of lightweight, low-waste structures, while nanotechnology supports the development of safer, more durable materials. Advanced biocomposites, such as cork–wood blends, allow for the production of natural, circular alternatives.

At the heart of this shift lies eco-design: designing packaging by considering its entire lifecycle, from raw materials and manufacturing to consumer use and disposal. This involves selecting materials from renewable sources, designing components for straightforward separation and recycling, and eliminating unnecessary layers or additives.

Sustainable materials are shaping the future of skincare packaging

mBlack™: circular innovation for the modern beauty industry

mBlack™ is at the heart of mPackting’s circular design approach. This material, which is developed in-house and fully trademarked, transforms upcycled wood production waste into a regenerative biopolymer that naturally stores CO₂ over time. Its composition makes it a long-term, low-impact solution for brands seeking to reduce their packaging's carbon footprint.

Designed for efficient moulding, mBlack™ can be used to create shapes that are difficult to achieve with solid wood. It is ideal for bottles, closures and detailed components or shapes that require flexibility and precision. The material is designed to break down safely and effectively, supporting a responsible end-of-life cycle and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.

By choosing mBlack™, you are adopting a material that combines environmental responsibility with technical performance. It enables beauty brands to introduce contemporary, tactile packaging that aligns with today's expectations for circular innovation.

Cork: a renewable material with natural performance benefits

Cork offers a distinctive combination of functionality and sensory appeal for cosmetic packaging. Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, which regenerate without harm, cork is renewable, biodegradable and fully recyclable. Its microscopic cellular structure provides natural water-repellent and waterproof properties, eliminating the need for chemical treatments.

These characteristics make cork an excellent choice for skincare products where reliability, grip and protection are important. Its porosity and rough surface increase friction, ensuring a snug, secure fit for components such as perfume caps or lids that must remain firmly attached during use. Cork also acts as a natural gasket, maintaining product integrity when used in face cream caps or similar containers.

Lightweight, elegant and unmistakably tactile, cork enhances the customer experience while reinforcing a brand’s commitment to sustainable materials. It conveys a sense of natural sophistication that is highly valued in the premium beauty sector.

FSC-certified wood: renewable, traceable and designed for premium beauty

FSC-certified wood is one of the most recognisable symbols of responsible sourcing, and has formed a key part of mPackting’s design ethos for many years.

It originates from forests that are managed according to strict environmental, social and economic standards, ensuring that every component crafted from it supports biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health. For beauty brands, this level of traceability is a valuable asset as it demonstrates a clear commitment to transparency and sustainability at a time when consumers demand verifiable action.

In skincare packaging, FSC wood offers both performance and emotional value. It has a warm, tactile feel that instantly elevates the user experience, with its subtle weight and natural grain providing an enjoyable sensation in the customer's hand. Each piece is unique, making every cap or closure a small expression of craftsmanship.

Thanks to the Minelli Group's integrated supply chain, mPackting can shape FSC-certified wood with exceptional precision. This makes it suitable for complex geometries, premium closures and bespoke designs that require tight tolerances and aesthetic consistency. Whether used in its pure form or combined with biopolymers in hybrid structures, FSC wood enables brands to communicate authenticity, naturalness and responsible innovation.

Advanced biocomposites: engineered for low environmental impact and premium design

The new generation of biocomposites, such as cork–wood blends, lignin-enriched formulas and fibre-reinforced organics, opens up design possibilities that were previously unimaginable. Engineered to deliver high mechanical resistance, low weight and improved stability, these materials meet the expectations of premium beauty packaging.

The combination of natural fillers and biodegradable matrices not only supports circularity, but also adds visual depth and tactile interest. Brands seeking differentiation can use these materials to create distinctive finishes and unique sensory experiences that reinforce product identity.

As a renewable resource that stores carbon throughout its lifecycle, FSC-certified wood is perfectly aligned with circular design principles. It is therefore a strategic choice for brands seeking packaging that is both sustainable and unmistakably premium.

Designing the next generation of skincare packaging with mPackting

Selecting the appropriate materials is just one step in the process. The real impact comes from collaborating with a partner that can transform sustainable principles into commercially viable, beautifully crafted solutions. At mPackting, we bring the expertise of the Minelli Group, an integrated supply chain, and decades of multisectoral know-how to every project. We collaborate closely with beauty brands to design packaging that aligns with circular principles while meeting the visual and functional expectations of premium skincare products.

If you're considering FSC-certified wood, mBlack™, cork or next-generation bio-based materials, we can help you prototype, refine and scale your ideas with precision. Our proprietary frameworks provide structured pathways to reduce your environmental impact while unlocking new creative possibilities.

If you’re ready to develop skincare packaging that stands out through responsible innovation, visit www.mpackting.com, explore our sustainable materials or contact our team to start shaping your next project.

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