Glass is a Natural Fit for Beauty Product Makers
With the introduction of the Safe Cosmetics Act in June 2011, focus has moved to the potential human health and environmental impacts of ingredients in cosmetics and perfumes. Should it become law, the Act gives the Food & Drug Administration greater oversight on the ingredients that go into these products.
In the meantime, many beauty product makers are moving forward to be more transparent about the ingredients they use, especially companies that promote themselves as organic or natural. And many are rediscovering the benefits of glass packaging, which is virtually inert, resulting in little if any migration of chemicals from packaging to product.
“Plastic releases toxic chemicals as it degrades into the environment,” says Ejyo Remington, Co-Founder and Owner of Waxelene, Inc., a sustainability-focused company that produces an all-natural alternative to petroleum jelly. “Glass is made from silica, which is an incredibly abundant and easy to obtain material, as opposed to plastic and other materials, which can require heavy refining and chemical additives to produce.”
Beauty product makers have long had a relationship with glass packaging because glass is so effective at helping communicate messages about style and quality. But more recently, health, sustainability, and social awareness are added considerations that make glass the ideal package.
“The Sphatika skin care line is 100 percent natural and I wanted the packaging and the containers to be eco-friendly and compatible with the product,” says Sphatika International founder Janet League-Katzin, who chose to use glass packaging for her spa’s line of skincare products. “We’re able to put organic inks and tints on the bottles, which makes them really 100 percent completely eco-friendly and they have actually added a great deal of beauty to the line so I’m loving them.”
Regardless of the fate of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011, it is apparent many beauty product makers are choosing glass packaging to highlight the beauty and quality of their products. It’s anticipated this trend will continue.
related items
Tree-Inspired Design Wins Student Glass Packaging Competition
GPI and its Member Companies Submit Comments to Improve EPA's MSW Report
Congressman Reed Tours Anchor Glass Plant
Made with organic fruit from California Wild Poppy Juice is sweetened with organic agave nectar and mixed with spices from around the world. The flavors include: Blood Orange Chili, Peppermint Lemonade, Plum Licorice, Peach Vanilla and Grapefruit Ginger. The bright colored juices are packaged in 10 oz. glass bottles with applied ceramic labeling.
Use our Carbon Calculator to find out how much energy you can save by recycling your glass containers.
Order the Flexo Color Guide - Edition X »
About the institute
The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. Through GPI, glass container manufacturers speak with one voice to advocate industry standards, promote sound environmental policies and educate packaging professionals. GPI member companies manufacture glass containers for food, beverage, cosmetic and many other products. GPI also has associate members that represent a broad range of suppliers and closure manufacturers.
