Did you know that on average, a household throws away 25 single-use plastic bottles of hand soap a year, most of which are not recycled?
The beauty and cosmetics industry has been in the spotlight for the past decade; sustainability criteria and new generations of consumers demand a radical change in packaging policies. What if our favorite products disappeared after use… along with their packaging?
Water-soluble packaging, edible packaging… they all have the same purpose (and fate): enemies of single-use packaging, they’re meant to disappear! This innovative initiative, led by committed startups, offers an ecological solution to reduce plastic waste across all sectors. Designed to completely dissolve in water, soluble packaging eliminates the need to dispose of non-biodegradable materials, thus reducing the environmental footprint.
Soluble packaging is already a reality. According to Insight Ace Analytic, the global soluble packaging market was estimated at $3.39 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $6.06 billion by 2031. This technology has already found its place in the food sector. How can we package water without leaving an impact on the planet?
NotPla, the startup behind algae and plant-based packaging, believes it has found a solution with its Ohoo range: water in the form of an edible blob. You basically eat your drink.
Credit : NotPla
And… what about beauty and cosmetics? Soluble packaging is gradually being integrated into all categories. From shower gels to hair care, makeup, body and hand soaps, cleansers, masks, creams… by expanding into consumer goods, all categories are affected. Several successful startups have already adopted soluble packaging as a competitive advantage. Let’s discover this trend together.
How to reconcile the desire to consume with the need for sustainability? Soluble packaging is an ideal solution for Generation Z. By offering products in single doses in packaging that dissolves in water, this innovation helps reduce waste. Gen Z, conscious consumer-actors, thus favor more sustainable options while maintaining their comfort, a smart compromise between consuming and preserving the environment.
INVISIBLEBAG, a soluble packaging provider, enables manufacturers and brands to replace conventional plastic packaging with compostable, biodegradable packaging without harmful residue on land.
How to reconcile the desire to consume with the need for sustainability? Soluble packaging is an ideal solution for Generation Z. By offering products in single doses in packaging that dissolves in water, this innovation helps reduce waste. Gen Z, conscious consumer-actors, thus favor more sustainable options while maintaining their comfort, a smart compromise between consuming and preserving the environment.
INVISIBLEBAG, a soluble packaging provider, enables manufacturers and brands to replace conventional plastic packaging with compostable, biodegradable packaging without harmful residue on land.
Reducing plastic waste is an unavoidable challenge for the beauty and cosmetics industry. From conception to disappearance, soluble packaging reduces the carbon footprint of our products, thus demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. We can FINALLY enjoy our well-being routine without feeling guilty.
Clean Circle, an engaged cosmetics brand, has created water-soluble eye patches after use. Deardot, on the other hand, has developed solid sheets that transform into cleansers after being moistened, all in a soluble bag that dissolves in the sink in… 5 seconds!
Credit : Clean Circle
Credit : Deardot
One of the soluble packaging’s best friends is the soluble ingredient (bestie check!) The latter refers to solid formulations that, once moistened, take their final usable form. Solid formulations offer appreciable benefits in terms of stability, allowing high concentrations of active ingredients, resulting in a better user experience for customers.
Let’s focus on shower gels. The principle is both simple and ingenious: instead of regularly buying traditional bottles, which contain a large amount of water and are packaged in disposable plastic packaging, consumers can now opt for a format of shower gel in solid active ingredient. The latter comes in the form of bars that can be dissolved in water at home to reform the liquid shower gel. Refill, moisten and shake it off! It’s also a moment of entertainment and learning for children, Do It Yourself-wise. Your kids (and the planet) will thank you later.
Forgo, a Swedish cosmetics brand, has developed an effective solution to eliminate plastic: a refillable glass bottle and plastic-free paper refills to make hand soap. Just pour the refill powder into the bottle, add water, and shake (a Mojito, please)! Each refill means no plastic bottle and up to 85% fewer greenhouse gas emission.
From self-care to household products, 900.care has already conquered the French market for refillable products. Having raised 21 million euros in April 2024, the startup continues its revolution within households.
Credit : 900.care
In summary
In 2024, soluble packaging is no longer a miracle solution; it is now a reality that addresses many sustainability challenges in the industry. Between consumption needs and global concerns, it fully meets the expectations of a new generation of consumers. Perhaps it is the lever you need for your next launch? You too, take the step towards change.
To discover more trends, download right now our 2024 Useful Design Trends report.
