Sustainable Packaging Trends in Hair Care: A Designer’s Perspective
In the hair care industry, certain packaging questions come up repeatedly. This article shares the top sustainable packaging trends for brands to consider – and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Sustainability is no longer a niche selling point – it’s a baseline expectation for hair care brands. Retailers like Sephora and Target have sustainability commitments. Consumers actively seek out plastic-free, recyclable, and refillable options. But how do you balance eco-goals with brand aesthetics, functionality, and cost?
Why it works:
1. PCR Plastics: The New Standard
Design tip: PCR often has a slightly speckled or greyish tint. Embrace it as part of your “responsible” brand story rather than trying to hide it. Pair with simple labels and earth-tone graphics.
Considerations:
2. Glass: Premium & Infinitely Recyclable
Glass never degrades in quality when recycled. It gives a heavy, luxurious feel-perfect for high-end hair oils, serums, and treatments.
Design tip: Use frosted glass for a modern, soft look. Combine with a wooden cap or aluminum pump for a natural aesthetic.
Mono-material PE tubes:
Paper tubes:
3. Paper & Mono-Material Tubes
Aluminum or plastic laminate tubes are difficult to recycle because they combine multiple materials. The trend is shifting to mono-material tubes (100% PE or PP) and paper-based tubes.
Design tip: Keep labels small and use water-based adhesives to ensure the entire tube is recyclable.
Why brands love it:
Challenges:
4. Refillable & Reusable Systems
Refillable packaging is growing fast, especially for shampoos, conditioners, and hand soaps. The main container stays with the consumer; the product comes in a pouch or cartridge.
Design tip: Make the refill pouch visually distinct (e.g., a smaller, simple design) so customers immediately recognize it. Use mono-material pouches (PE or PP) that are curbside recyclable where accepted.
Advantages:
5. Stone Paper Labels
Stone paper is made from calcium carbonate (mining waste) and non-toxic resin. It’s waterproof, tea-resistant, and requires no trees or water in production.
Best for: Labels on bottles, tubes, and cartons. Avoid direct food contact (not necessary for hair care).
Design tip: Stone paper takes ink beautifully – vivid colors and sharp text. Use it on clear or PCR bottles for an eco-friendly but premium look.
6. Avoiding Greenwashing – What Not to Do
Greenwashing (misleading claims about sustainability) can damage your brand reputation. Here are red flags to avoid:
X “Biodegradable” plastic – Most biodegradable plastics only break down in industrial composters, not in home compost or ocean.
X Over-packaging – A small product inside a huge box, or multiple layers of plastic.
X Vague claims – “Eco-friendly” or “green” without certification or explanation.
What to do instead:
7. The Role of a Vertically Integrated Partner
Sustainable packaging is not just about materials – it’s about compatibility with your formula, filling line, and supply chain. That’s where a full-service hair care manufacturer with an in-house design studio can help. We test your packaging with your formula (leaching, stability) and ensure your design works with our filling equipment – so you get a sustainable package that actually works.
“Our switch to PCR bottles and paper labels reduced our carbon footprint by 40%. The design studio made the transition seamless – no delays, no surprises.”
— Product Director, European hair care brand
— Product Director, European hair care brand
Whether you need a full redesign or a simple material swap, our design studio can help. We’ll balance sustainability, aesthetics, and cost – without compromising quality.
We reply within 12 hours. NDA available.
Ready to Make Your Packaging More Sustainable?
Hello Lab is a cGMP-certified hair care manufacturer with in-house R&D , manufacturing, and design. We create sustainable, shelf-ready packaging for shampoos, conditioners, masks, styling products, and hair colors. Learn more about our story.