We strive to continuously improve our packaging

Why do we use plastic packaging? Because so far, there’s no perfect solution for all our products. But we are working hard to make our packaging even better, to reduce its impact on the environment.

Why we package our products

A face cream should feel good, smell good and have long-lasting effects. But satisfying all those requirements isn’t that simple. That’s because we deliberately refrain from using synthetic preservatives. And we mainly use natural ingredients such as pure plant oils and essential oils, which are highly sensitive, especially to oxygen. Adequate packaging ensures that the oils are not exposed to oxygen, which would cause them to become rancid. It also prevents the evaporation of volatile substances, such as fragrances.

Less bad is not really good

We are constantly working to improve the ecological sustainability of our packaging. In an ideal world, our packaging would be 100 percent compostable while providing our products with optimal protection. Currently we use different materials depending on the product requirements, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Through the package recycling initiative ”Forum Rezyklat” we have joined forces with other companies to investigate how plastics from household waste can be recycled into food and cosmetics packaging.

For a beautiful and healthy world, we must act sustainably.

What types of packaging do we use?

Weleda uses a variety of materials for its packaging. Approximately 60 percent is made of glass, 15 percent of aluminium and the rest of our packaging is made of different plastics. Our packaging has to do a lot in order to protect its sensitive contents. Glass, aluminium and plastic – each packaging material has its advantages and disadvantages, which have to be weighed for each individual product.

Recycled glass

Advantages

  • Glass can be recycled endlessly with no loss in quality
  • Glass is non-reactive and offers a very good barrier, for example against oxygen

Disadvantages

  • Glass is much heavier than plastic or aluminium, meaning higher CO2 consumption during transport
  • Glass might break or shatter, which can be especially hazardous in the bathroom or at the changing table

Plastic

Advantages 

  • Plastic is lightweight, meaning lower CO2 consumption during transport
  • Plastic packaging is shatterproof and easy to handle

Disadvantages

  • Many countries have no plastic recycling schemes; a lot of plastic waste is incinerated or used to generate energy
  • Not all plastic packaging is recyclable
  • Unregulated plastic disposal risks polluting the environment
  • Used packaging is mainly downcycled, which turns the material into lower-grade plastics. New packaging is still mainly produced from new, virgin plastic

Aluminium

Advantages 

  • Aluminium is impervious to air and non-reactive
  • Tube openings are small and the aluminium retains its shape, preventing a suction effect in which oxygen could enter the tube and cause the contents to spoil
  • Aluminium has very good recyclability

Disadvantages

  • The production of aluminium consumes a lot of energy. Bauxite mining pollutes the environment
  • Aluminium tubes can break at the creases

What we have achieved so far

Skin Food Body Butter is now available in a glass jar. We have increased the proportion of recycled plastic in the packaging of our deodorants. Many of our other products also come in packaging with a high proportion of recycled plastic. For example, our Weleda Calendula Baby Oil now comes in a bottle made of 97percent recycled plastic (excluding cap and label).

More Articles

Weleda receives B Corp certification

Weleda has been committed to nature and society for 100 years. The international non-profit B Lab has now certified that we are making the world a better place through our corporate culture.

How Weleda is changing the world

Weleda is now a certified B Corp. In this interview with Dr. Stefan Siemer, Head of Sustainability at Weleda, we speak about the certification process, the high standards of the issuing organisation, and the reasons that led us to take this step.

We care for biodiversity around the world

In producing our natural skin care and pharmaceutical products, we treat the earth’s resources with care at every step – starting with the seeds that we plant. In doing so, we are protecting biodiversity and nurturing healthy soils around the world.

Our raw materials are sourced ethically and sustainably

We are committed to ensuring that our raw materials are ethically sourced. That’s why we have been certified since 2018 by the Union for Ethical BioTrade.

Why do we use palm oil?

We are committed to the sustainable cultivation of palm oil

What sustainability means to us

Sustainability is part of our identity. Our pharmaceuticals and natural skin care are not only good for you. We are striving to make our business even more future-proof and sustainable and care for the climate.