Refillable Packaging: Worth it?

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Refillable Packaging

In recent years, refillable packaging has become an increasingly popular option for the beauty and personal care industries. The concept of refillable packaging is rather simple, but basically includes an exterior packaging kit and an interior pod that can be removed when empty and "refilled" with a new pod. Is refillable packaging right for your brand? Does it lower your packaging costs? Reduce packaging waste? Minimize carbon foot print? What are some of the drawbacks for refillable packaging? Let's take a closer look.

Benefits of Refillable Packaging

There are several benefits associated with refillable packaging. Perhaps most notably, it can help to reduce packaging waste. According to a report from L'Oreal, the average person uses approximately 10 beauty products every day, which results in a lot of packaging waste. By switching to refillable packaging, you can help to reduce this waste. Additionally, refillable packaging can also help to lower your overall packaging costs.

Another benefit of refillable packaging is that it often requires less energy and resources to produce than non-refillable packaging. This means that it can help to minimize your carbon footprint. Additionally, many consumers are now looking for more sustainable and eco-friendly options, so by switching to refillable packaging, you could also appeal to this growing market.

Drawbacks of Refillable Packaging

Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks associated with refillable packaging. One of the biggest concerns is hygiene and cross contamination. Because the same exterior container is used multiple times, there is a greater risk of contamination if the exterior container is not properly cleaned between uses. Additionally, because consumers are typically responsible for filling the containers themselves, there is also a greater risk of spillage or leaks.

Another potential drawback is that refillable exterior containers are often more expensive than traditional non-refillable options. This means that you'll need to weigh the cost savings associated with reduced waste against the increased cost of the containers themselves. Additionally, because they are often more complex than traditional options, they can also be more difficult to fill and seal correctly. Be sure to check with your existing contract filler regarding the filling process and procedure.

Overall, there are both benefits and drawbacks associated with refillable packaging. It's important to carefully consider all factors before deciding if this type of packaging is right for your brand. If done correctly, refillable packaging can help to reduce waste, lower costs, and appeal to eco-conscious consumers while broadening your customer base. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us here!