Packaging, especially plastic, is a growing focus of local and global environmental regulations. In Australia, the federal government is exploring new rules while states advance bans on problematic single-use items and other plastics. Globally, major economies are creating similar regulations, and the UN is negotiating a Plastics Treaty.

Packaging waste sustainability in Australia’s beauty and fragrance industry poses unique challenges. These include complex, multi-component packaging that complicates recycling, the need for high-quality, contact-safe materials, and the small size of cosmetic packaging, which can be too small for current sorting systems. Additionally, being an import-dominated sector can limit local influence over packaging design and render Australia-specific post-use labelling problematic.

Nevertheless, Accord’s 2024 packaging surveyi revealed considerable initiatives by beauty and fragrance companies on packaging sustainability.

Beauty sector taking action on packaging sustainability

Data galore

Data are essential to meet reporting obligations under APCO or state NEPMs, as well as to measure progress and communicate achievements. Most beauty and fragrance respondents (83%) have packaging volume data—including 62% with data for all their products. This was a big increase from 2021, when just 32% of beauty and fragrance companies had data for all their productsii.

Smaller packaging volumes

‘Avoid’ and ‘Reduce’ are the two most impactful actions on the waste hierarchy, as they eliminate or decrease the material used. Many beauty and fragrance respondents (59%) have decreased or plan to decrease their packaging volumeiii.

Reusable packaging

Half (50%) of beauty and fragrance respondents offer reusable packaging/refillable products, predominantly in the skincare, colour cosmetics and fragrance categories—another 35% plan to increase or introduce reusable packaging/refillable products in the next 12 months. Reuse, when feasible, is an excellent outcome as it retains the maximum value from a package post-use.

Replacing plastic

All beauty and fragrance respondents reported using plastic packaging, but 53% have replaced or plan to replaceiii some plastic packaging with other materials. Changing packaging materials is no easy task, often requiring costly and lengthy testing for compatibility, safety and consumer appeal. Plastic packaging also has many advantages, so a thorough consideration of the environmental impacts of alternatives is essential to ensure a net environmental benefit.

Recyclable plastic packaging

A focus for the majority (71%) of beauty and fragrance respondents was increasing the kerbside recyclability of their plastic packagingiii. The sector’s average proportion of kerbside-recyclable plastic is 45%, but a wide range of values were reported.

Post-consumer recyclate (PCR)

Accord’s survey highlighted the challenge of incorporating PCR plastic in beauty packaging. While 62% of beauty and fragrance respondents have recently or are planning to increase their use of PCRiii, 56% have encountered barriers. All those encountering barriers identified the grade/quality as unsuitable (100%) and 74% identified cost as a barrier.

Scaled impact through Accord

Accord has been communicating with governments on the great strides already made by our sector and where the ongoing challenges lie. For example, based on our survey data, we have prepared two packaging infographics[iv] to showcase the progress and initiative of Accord members in addressing packaging waste, the essential roles packaging plays, and that a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach to packaging is not appropriate. With input from our members, we have also made a submission to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s (DCCEEW) long-awaited consultation on reforming packaging regulation.

With input and guidance from our Member companies, Accord also progresses industry-led initiatives that foster social responsibility and environmental stewardship on material industry issues.

Accord’s Small-format Cosmetic Working Group is tasked with exploring and guiding the development of sustainability initiatives that will assist the Australian beauty industry. The WG is finalising an Industry Guideline on Best Practice Product Stewardship for Cosmetic Packaging Waste, encompassing design, ethical and sustainable sourcing, and EPR—watch this space! The WG will also continue to explore the need for and feasibility of an industry-wide EPR scheme for cosmetic packaging waste.

Companies in the beauty sector have an opportunity to stand out as examples of proactive and responsible product stewardship. We are excited to be working together on behalf of the sector to boost the achievements of individual companies and to advocate on behalf of industry.


[i] Thirty-four companies supplying beauty/fragrance products responded to the survey.

[ii] According to Accord’s 2021 Packaging Survey

[iii] In the past 12 months or in the next 12 months

[iv] www.accord.asn.au/about/infographics/

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *