Why Is Beauty Packaging So Wasteful? The Psychology of Over-Packaging
Quick answer: Beauty packaging is so wasteful because oversized boxes and tubes make products look bigger and more valuable than they are. Most of us judge value by package size rather than the net weight in the small print, so extra packaging sells, and the beauty industry ends up producing around 120 billion units of packaging a year.
Have you ever bought a product because the packaging made it look like you were getting a lot more for your money? You’re not alone! This is a common marketing tactic where companies use over-packaging to make products seem bigger than they really are. By doing this, they create the illusion that you’re getting a great deal, even when the actual amount of product inside is much less than you’d expect.
It’s easy to see how this happens. We often judge the value of a product based on the size of its packaging rather than its actual weight, which is usually hidden away in tiny print. This clever packaging trick not only makes us think we’re getting more, but it also influences our decision to buy. After all, who doesn’t want to feel like they’re getting a good bang for their buck?
But here’s the problem: this misconception about how much product is inside leads to over-consumption and more waste. When we judge quantities based on the packaging's size and appearance, we're often misled, and companies continue to use more and more packaging to keep up this illusion.
This highlights a serious need for transparency and regulation in how products are packaged. More importantly, it points to the urgent need for sustainable packaging options. The next time you’re shopping, try to look past the packaging and check the actual net weight of the product. You'll be surprised at how often what looks like a big deal is actually not much at all.
Choosing brands that prioritize eco-friendly and minimal packaging is a great way to push for change. After all, every small step we take as consumers can lead to a big difference in reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable future.
With the beauty industry producing around 120 billion units of plastic packaging annually this is causing significant amounts of waste, that for the most part is not recyclable.
Exciting things are on the horizon, however, and we want to leave you with this article from Cosmetics Design by Ravyn Cullor, which mentions some hopeful statistics on how consumer behavior is completely changing, and new opportunities are coming our way.
Beauty packaging looking to take reduce, reuse, recycle to the next level
09-Nov-2022 By Ravyn Cullor - The beauty industry is a major user of plastic packaging, but a new report says some companies are looking for creative solutions.
Packaging Only as Big as the Product
Our makeup comes in simple, compostable paper tubes with no outer box and no extra plastic.
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Over-Packaging: FAQs
How can I tell if a beauty product is over-packaged?
Compare the net weight printed on the label (in grams or ounces) with the size of the package. Thick false bottoms, double-walled jars and extra outer boxes are common signs.
What is slack fill?
Slack fill is empty space inside a package. Some is needed to protect the product, but empty space that serves no purpose can be treated as misleading under US law.
Is minimal packaging better for the environment?
Yes. Less packaging means less material to produce, lighter shipping and less to throw away, especially when the packaging that remains is compostable or recyclable.