Should aesthetic doctors be more aware of sustainable packaging?

As the sustainability movement continues to influence the beauty choices of customers, a new survey (as previously reported on by Aesthetic Medicine) suggests that UK-based aesthetic clinic owners could be doing more to address the environmental impact of their in-clinic skincare packaging.

Although 95% of 136 respondents agreed that it would be great if all packaging was recyclable, only 22% had contacted their suppliers for more sustainable packaging, and of those, 13% had had no reply. That’s despite 74% of clinic owners believing that sustainability and environmental concerns would be important in marketing their business in the next five years.

The written responses to the survey were also interesting, with many comments highlighting the need for greater product packaging sustainability, despite the lack of actual action. One respondent said, “sustainability and the environment is just extremely important going forward,” while others noted that overly large outer boxes and plastic wrap were particular problem areas. Another standout was the comment, “there is no reason why sustainable packaging can’t be pretty.”

Perhaps understandably, the appearance of products for retail - for example, those that line a clinic’s walls to market them for at-home use to clients – is seen as a priority. However, those products used during in-clinic treatments, which patients do not tend to see, do offer an opportunity to prioritise sustainable packaging design.

This option could not only help improve an aesthetic clinic’s environmental impact but may also result in cost savings and waste reduction. According to the new research, it also seems like a very workable option. More than 78% of clinic owners did not consider the external appearance of packaging (excluding retail skincare) important. What’s more, over 80% of the respondents felt that smaller plastic and cardboard packaging would help with storage in their clinics.

Clinic owners are therefore encouraged to analyse the packaging of the products they use in-clinic to see whether sustainability improvements can be made. The survey creators also urged aesthetic businesses to share these results with their suppliers, conduct their own surveys to contribute more data and advocate for sustainable packaging practices.

For the full survey results, visit: linkedin.com/in/ronmyersbusinesscoach/

Progress – 2024 update

HydroPeptide is showing its commitment to sustainability by rolling out eco-friendly packaging across all of its products throughout 2024.

By the end of the year, the company will be ensuring:

• All tubes will be made of at least 60% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials
• All hard plastics will be least 50% PCR
• Recyclable glass has been incorporated for their droppers, moisturiser jars, and
  serum pumps
• All unit cartons will be switched into Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified
  recyclable paper.

Most product updates will roll out in the first half of the year. HydroPeptide will also aim to remove 70% of all single-use sampling by the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 and provide refills on top-selling products by Q1, 2026.