As concerns for the environment grow, companies in various industries are turning towards circular economy practices to reduce their ecological footprint. The sunscreen industry can also adopt circular economy principles to introduce eco-friendly, sustainable ingredients and packaging.
One way to achieve this is by incorporating novel bio-based ingredients. Bio-based ingredients are derived from natural sources such as plants, and they can help reduce the use of synthetic and potentially harmful chemicals in sunscreen. For instance, companies can use ingredients like algae or Lignin, which are great in providing natural UV protection, thus promoting sustainable production. Other options include vegetable oils and butters like coconut oil or shea butter, which not only provide natural UV protection but are also biodegradable.
Circular economy principles can also be applied to sunscreen packaging by using sustainable materials. Bioplastics made from renewable resources like sugarcane or corn starch are gaining popularity in the industry due to their biodegradability. Moreover, the use of recycled materials for packaging can also be an effective way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Companies can also introduce refillable packaging options, where customers can purchase refills of their favourite sunscreen in reusable containers.
In conclusion, incorporating bio-based ingredients and sustainable packaging materials can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the sunscreen industry. By adopting circular economy principles, sunscreen companies can contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet while also promoting sustainable practices. It is essential that companies continue to innovate and explore eco-friendly options to mitigate their environmental impact and promote a sustainable future
At BELLEJO, we incorporate novel bio based ingredients like Lignin that helps us remove and reduce harmful ingredients from conventional sunscreen. We also want to close the loop in packaging by using sugar-cane bio plastic, aluminium bottles and refillable options.