Respectueuse implements Sonoco’s EnviroStick to increase deodorant recycling

26 Jun 2023 --- Ethical cosmetic brand Respectueuse has launched a product line of deodorants using Sonoco’s fully recyclable, rigid paper EnviroStick packaging. The EnviroStick is composed of recycled cardboard, which Respectueuse claims will facilitate and drive-up recycling rates for cosmetics consumers in the French market. 

Respectueuse is an eco-friendly brand developing solid cosmetics that is committed to limiting the use of plastic in its packaging. “We give meaning to the beauty routine and free the bathrooms from plastic,” writes Respectueuse. 

“Sonoco is one of the very few companies manufacturing three-piece cardboard push-up packaging in Europe, most similar packaging types are manufactured in Asia. Sonoco’s EU presence has helped us make our packaging more [environmentally] sustainable while reducing steps in the supply chain and our brands’ carbon footprint,” says Myriam Reynaud-Cleyet, founder of Respectueuse.

Green focus
The brand focuses on two brand pillars: “my health” through the sale of its vegan, 100% natural, certified and organic products, and “my planet” through limiting plastic waste with cardboard packaging for its products. 

Respectueuse uses Sonoco EnviroStick for its deodorant sticks.Reynaud-Cleyet adds that Respectueuse is considering using EnviroStick packaging for sunscreen and other cosmetic and beauty products in the brand’s offering. 

This increase in recyclable packaging aligns with consumer demand for ecological solutions for the products they use every day. However, a brand must back up its statements. Innova Market Insights reported “Green but clean” as a top packaging trend of 2023, finding consumers want sustainability but don’t want to be misled. 

Global consumers increasingly demand product transparency around sustainability claims, with 47% wanting to see the level of a pack’s environmental impact illustrated as a score or grade and 34% saying that a reduced carbon footprint score positively influences their purchasing decision.

“Today, more than ever, cosmetic brands are looking to move their packaging toward more recyclable solutions to meet their sustainable goals. Sonoco is proud to bring its expertise to the beauty and personal care industry, providing customers with a recyclable solution, made from recycled fiber and has shelf appeal while tackling current environmental issues,” says Julie Imbert, sales manager and EnviroStick development project lead at Sonoco.

Furthermore, Respectueuse has been a partner of the NGO Expedition 7th Continent, fighting against plastic pollution for over ten years. 

Beauty becoming eco-friendly
Unilever’s Dove Canada launched a refillable case made from stainless steel for its range of deodorants. The refillable case is described as a compact “super-durable” stainless steel case housed in 96% recycled and fully recyclable plastic packaging. This is part of Unilever’s continued efforts to reduce its footprint and adopt environmentally sustainable alternatives. 

Earlier this month, Marks & Spencer introduced a takeback scheme to recycle empty beauty containers in partnership with packaging recycler Handle. The initiative will allow customers to return any form of plastic or aluminum beauty packaging from any retailer by dropping it into dedicated boxes.

In related developments, Beiersdorf unveiled Nivea Sun and Nivea Lip Care with a reduced CO2 footprint while issuing a progress report on its “Climate Care” initiative, zeroing in on specific sustainable product transformations.

Edited by Sabine Waldeck