Credo Outlines Packaging Guidelines

Credo Beauty has released its sustainable packaging guidelines and will introduce a mandatory packaging guideline for all of its brand partners to follow.
 
The policy will: 
• Prohibit single-use masks and wipes by June 2021 
• Require brands to replace virgin petrochemical plastic with 50% or more recycled plastic, or another non-plastic material, by June 2023 
• Disallow brands from implying packaging is compostable or recyclable if it is not; brands must provide clear, accurate disposal instructions for consumers in an effort to help improve the overtaxed, contaminated recycling stream 
• Emphasize reusable packaging systems: durable containers the customer keeps and refills with new product, in packaging designed to be environmentally preferable.
 
All of Credo’s brand partners will need to comply with the requirements and deadlines, according to the beauty retailer.
 
An estimated 120 billion cosmetics packages are created annually, and the majority of beauty packaging is not reused or recycled in the US, notes Credo. It contends the beauty industry’s carbon footprint, resource consumption, and pollution is substantial—from the petrochemicals that go into component manufacturing, to packaging’s too-common fate as ocean waste, landfilled trash, or toxic pollution from incineration. 
 
“We are at a tipping point. It is time that companies make real, actionable commitments that will drastically reduce this sector’s impact on the climate, wildlife and communities,” said Mia Davis, Credo’s director of environmental and social responsibility, in a statement. “Credo’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines offer brands an approach—Smart Design, Sustainable Sourcing, and Optimized for End-of-Life—as well as clear goals and deadlines for better material choices.” 
 
Credo’s prohibition of single use masks and wipes alone will prevent approximately 3,000 pounds of waste from being thrown away annually. By 2023, the retailer estimates that it will have replaced over one million virgin plastic containers with either high PCR material, or ideally, reusable and refillable components. Virgin plastic is more resource and carbon intensive than PCR plastic, and unfortunately, often isn’t recycled–even when customers put it in their recycling bins.  Credo say it will also prohibit tiny spatulas and the like from products.
 
In addition, Credo says it is encouraging a “more thoughtful approach” to choosing packaging and designing new products, giving preference to components that can be reused and refilled, like durable shampoo bottles with refill options, and makeup compacts the customer can keep for years, simply buying the replacement colors to drop into the compacts. 

“When we started Credo in 2015, we set out to change the beauty industry by leading the way, and by being transparent and candid,” said Annie Jackson, co-founder and COO. “Sustainability is really a journey, not a destination. And it is a partnership, because no one wins–not Credo or the brands, not the earth or the customer–if we don’t work together to change the story. It isn’t always easy and rarely is it cheap, but it is the right thing to do.”