Glass vs. plastic When it comes to choosing packaging for cosmetic products, companies are faced with a crucial question: glass or plastic? At a time when sustainability and environmental protection are becoming increasingly important, it is crucial to choose the most environmentally friendly option. Packaging plays a major role in this, as it is often an integral part of a product's overall environmental footprint. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of glass and plastic packaging and explain why we at JONDI&MOON have opted for a combination of both. Glass: a natural talent when it comes to sustainability Glass is a true all-rounder when it comes to environmentally friendly packaging. It consists mainly of natural raw materials such as quartz sand, lime and soda, which are available in many regions. This means short transportation routes and therefore less CO2 emissions. But that's not all: glass is almost infinitely recyclable. Once produced, it can be melted down again and again and processed into new glass products without any loss of quality. This makes glass a champion when it comes to recycling and reusability. Although the production of glass is energy-intensive, there is good news here too: In recent decades, technological advances have helped to significantly reduce energy requirements. Modern melting and filter technologies ensure more efficient production with fewer emissions. The use of used glass also has a positive effect on energy requirements. The addition of recycled glass reduces energy consumption in the production of new glass by up to 30 %. This means less energy consumption and therefore less environmental impact - a double benefit for the environment. Amber glass: the guardian angel for valuable ingredients Our cosmetic products from JONDI&MOON are therefore packaged in stylish amber glass bottles, which offer several advantages. Amber glass protects the sensitive ingredients of our products from harmful UV rays without having to resort to environmentally harmful plastics or additional packaging. In addition, the production of amber glass enables a higher proportion of waste glass to be used, which further reduces energy requirements. In contrast to white glass, where the proportion of colored waste glass chunks is limited, up to 8 % of colored waste glass can be used with amber glass. This not only saves energy, but also reduces the amount of new glass that needs to be produced. Although we at JONDI&MOON currently rely on single-use glass packaging, we have taken steps to maximize its sustainability. Our glass bottles are designed to be used for a long time - whether through refilling or recycling. After use, the bottles are disposed of via the recycling system and processed into new glass products. In this way, glass remains in the cycle and makes an important contribution to conserving resources. Plastic: the more flexible alternative with potential But plastic also has its advantages, especially when it comes to refill packaging. Our refill bags are made of polypropylene (PP), a single, thin plastic that can be disposed of in the recycle garbage. The [...]

Bioplastics: A Sustainable Solution or a Recycling Challenge? The world is becoming increasingly aware of environmental protection and sustainability. One of the major challenges we face today is how we deal with plastics. Plastics are everywhere, playing a crucial role in our daily lives, but their widespread use also has a negative impact on the environment. In recent years, biodegradable and bio-based plastics have gained attention as potential solutions to this issue. But what exactly are bioplastics, and are they really the key to a more sustainable future? What Are Bioplastics? Biodegradable plastics are materials that can break down under specific conditions due to microbial activity, such as the action of bacteria, fungi, or other organisms. In contrast, conventional plastics, such as PET or PVC, are not biodegradable and can remain in the environment for centuries if not recycled. Bioplastics, therefore, offer the potential to reduce plastic waste and ease the pressure on landfill sites. On the other hand, bio-based plastics are made from renewable raw materials like corn, sugar cane, or other plant sources.* Unlike conventional plastics made from fossil fuels, bio-based plastics are less dependent on finite resources and release fewer greenhouse gases during production. That sounds promising, right? Bioplastics in Cosmetics Packaging When we shift our focus to cosmetic packaging, we encounter some interesting aspects. Much of this packaging is made from plastic, contributing significantly to plastic waste. Biodegradable and bio-based plastics could therefore offer a more environmentally friendly alternative. But is this really the case? Challenges with Recycling Bioplastics An important factor to consider when selecting packaging materials is the recycling system. In Germany, for example, there is a well-established and efficient recycling system that allows for a high recycling rate. The proper separation of packaging materials and their disposal is essential in maintaining this system. However, biodegradable plastics can pose challenges within such a system. Due to their name, many people mistakenly place them in the organic waste bin, which can be problematic. Although biodegradable plastics can theoretically break down, this is not guaranteed under real-world conditions. As a result, product residues, such as thermoplastic starch, cellulose, degradable polyesters (partly derived from crude oil), and polylactide (PLA), often remain. These are not always bio-based and therefore do not belong in the organic waste, which is intended for producing agricultural fertilizer. Similarly, biodegradable plastics are not well-suited for the recycling garbage used for sorting lightweight packaging. Sorting facilities are not yet equipped to handle these newer materials, so they are often excluded and incinerated instead. A similar problem arises with bio-based plastics. Bio-based Plastics: A Complicated Recycling Process Although bio-based plastics are made from renewable raw materials, they can still cause the same recycling issues as conventional plastics. When bio-based plastics are mixed with traditional plastics, recycling becomes more difficult, and the quality of the final product can suffer. Bio-based plastics can contain ingredients like corn starch or other cellulose-rich plants, but the exact proportion of these materials is often unspecified. As a result, bio-based plastics [...]