Ecology

How do we package our natural products?

We firmly believe that a sustainable approach is paramount to our future success. But we still need packaging. What are we doing to make it as environmentally friendly as possible?

Protecting products … avoiding waste.

In creating the formulations for Dr. Hauschka Skin Care products, we draw on the many things that nature has to offer. We make large scale investments worldwide in the organic and Demeter certified biodynamic farming of our raw materials and the manufacture of our products. We have to make sure that unsuitable packaging does not diminish stability of the valuable content so it ends up in the trash bin. After all, product protection is key to resource protection – and therefore supports sustainability. In addition, our 100% certified natural cosmetics do not contain any synthetic preservatives. This makes preserving the product’s shelf life and freshness the most important task of packaging. Every time we develop a new product, we check which kind of packaging is most sustainable while still providing full product protection. We also strive to reduce material usage along the entire process chain, from the design stage through the development stage, to delivery and disposal.

Bioplastics – a blessing or a curse?

Bioplastics don't live up to their promises. Often, bioplastics made from renewable raw materials are no more sustainable than plastics made from petroleum. Some critics point out that the growing and cultivation of plant materials for bioplastic can involve the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizer and often, genetically modified plants, not to mention competition for arable land vs. protection of woodland areas. Bioplastics are only a consideration for us if they have demonstrably less environmental impact than conventional plastics. Currently, we do not use any biodegradable bioplastics. If they are not properly disposed of, they can simply add to the micro-plastic problem as many countries do not yet have suitable recycling systems for them. Despite this, we are keeping a close eye on developments in bioplastics and recycling.

Increasing the recycled content.

The resources for manufacturing glass, aluminum and conventional plastic are not infinite. We are therefore very careful to ensure that materials can be reused. For this to be possible, they must enter the recycling cycle in as pure a form as possible. Only then can they be used to create new, high-quality packaging. By using waste paper or post-consumer recycled plastics, we reduce the need for raw materials and actively improve sustainability. This is because recycling reduces the energy-intensive and polluting processes of sourcing and producing raw materials.

Plastic: better than its reputation.

The manufacturing of plastic has less of an environmental impact than that of either aluminum or glass. As such, we do not want to rigorously demonize this material. Plastic is light, non-breakable and extremely durable, plus it can be shaped and used in many different ways. We primarily use PE and PP, which are energy-efficient and easily recyclable plastics. Where possible, we use plastic with a recycled content of up to 97%. Furthermore, our plastic packaging does not contain any plasticizers such as phthalates, BPA or similarly problematic additives.