With 95% of cosmetics packaging ending up as waste, according to the British Beauty Council, it’s one of the sector's most pressing concerns. And, as expectations shift and regulations tighten, sustainable cosmetics packaging is no longer optional. In this blog, Delga unpacks the trends, challenges and innovations shaping the future of this fast-evolving area of the beauty industry.
Cast your mind back to 2015. Instagram was still sporting its Polaroid-style logo, consumers were picking up contour kits from Debenhams beauty halls and hauling Sephora-exclusive makeup from holidays abroad, and Zoella was uploading her latest beauty favourites to YouTube. Unboxing theatrics were a key part of beauty brands’ marketing efforts, subscription boxes were booming, and social media aesthetics were driving packaging design.
A decade on, the landscape looks a little different. Not only have we waved goodbye to one of the UK’s most recognised department stores, but the environmental impact of items in the beauty aisle – and how they’re packaged – has become a key concern.
The Rise of the Eco-Aware Buyer
Back in 2021, research featured in Packaging News found that UK customers were urging the beauty sector to prioritise sustainable packaging. And these days, even content creators – once the drivers of lavish unboxings – are calling out wasteful materials and demanding more responsible choices.
Influencer PR unboxings are a proven brand awareness tool, however, when sustainability is overlooked, they face the danger of doing more harm than good. In recent years, a number of campaigns have come under fire for excessive presentation: oversized parcels, avoidable inserts and non-recyclable filler. When influencers themselves are voicing frustration at the expense of brand relationships, it’s clear that greener packaging is no longer just ‘a nice to have’ – it’s a necessity. At Delga, we help forward-thinking beauty brands meet those expectations without compromising on creativity and performance.
Sustainable cosmetics packaging isn’t simply best practice, though. Government-backed legislation, such as the UK Plastic Packaging Tax and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations for packaging indicate that it’s quickly becoming a legal obligation. Delga’s guide to EPR packaging regulations explains what these can mean for the industry.
Greenwashing Doesn’t Wash Anymore
2025's end user is educated. If your cosmetics and beauty products claim to be kind to the planet, every element – from formulation to delivery – must reinforce that message. Both secondary and primary packaging play a starring role. If your eco-friendly item arrives in a box overloaded with excessive slack fill or difficult-to-recycle extras, it’s more than just off-brand; it’s misleading. In fact, exaggerated packaging could break the UK’s unfair trading regulations, putting your reputation at risk. By working with Delga, not only can you ensure your beauty packaging is on-brand, but also that it’s compliant, responsible and genuinely sustainable.
Eco-conscious shoppers are paying close attention to how companies are designing cosmetics and beauty packaging. From refillable formats – seen by the likes of Wild, Sol de Janeiro and Lisa Eldridge – to reusable or recyclable PR packages that still deliver that wow factor, just without the excess. This is an approach Delga has championed through bespoke beauty packaging solutions that align with both aesthetic demands and green goals.
Creative Cosmetic Packaging Solutions That Cut Down Waste
Introducing sustainable packaging solutions to your supply chain can be simple – it begins by partnering with the right supplier. At Delga, we have proven experience in creating waste-reducing, smart and sustainable product packaging for cosmetics and beauty products, and we’re trusted by some of the UK’s leading names.
Here are a few strategies we’ve implemented for cosmetic manufacturers trying to transition to more sustainable packaging and take ownership of their environmental responsibility:
- Choose carbon-neutral print: Our four HP Indigo presses are carbon-neutral, supporting the reduction in carbon emissions associated with your packaging collateral without compromising on quality.
- Upgrade with water-saving finishes: Our digital embellishment technology slashes water use by up to 80% compared to traditional foiling methods, offering eye-catching effects like spot UV and foil while keeping environmental impact in focus.
- Select eco labels: Our branded labels combine standout designs with your green goals – including options made using 50% post-consumer recycled plastic.
- Slim down on slack fill: Working with designers, like our in-house CAD experts, can help optimise your beauty or cosmetic packaging, minimising unnecessary space while ensuring your goods are protected.
- Opt for FSC-certified materials: As an FSC-certified packaging and print company, we source our paper and card from responsibly managed forests.
- Switch to bio-based materials: Choosing vegetable-based inks helps cut down reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to a greener path. This can be a particularly valuable approach for those selling lines that are centred around natural ingredients.
- Add value with design: By adding QR codes, internal messaging or printed instructions within your boxes, you avoid the need for extra leaflets or instruction guides.
- Use clever structures: Perforated tear-strips and glueless construction can support recyclability and lower component waste.
- Design with reuse in mind: Whether it’s a foldable box or a keepsake-style format, consider how your printed packaging can serve a second life beyond the opening experience, boosting your eco credentials and helping your branding stick around.
Cosmetics & Beauty Products Packaging That Does More
Eco-friendly packaging often requires some outside-the-box thinking – and we’ve been commended for exactly that. The Delga team’s printed sleeve for natural deodorant brand Wild picked up the Gold Award at the Environmental Packaging Awards last year. Originally aiming to reduce its packaging materials by 15%, by joining forces with Delga, Wild ultimately cut packaging waste by an impressive 61% – and reduced outer packaging weight by 66%.
Rethink Your Cosmetics with Custom Packaging Solutions
Whether it’s sustainable skincare packaging for eye gels, folding cartons for cosmetic jars or eco-friendly cardboard tubes for airless pump bottles, there’s a wide range of custom packaging options on the market.
By working with Delga, you’ll benefit from cost-effective solutions and streamlined production processes that enhance product integrity – making sure items are secure, protected and well presented – and showcase your brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Get in touch with a member of our team today to find the right solution for your company.