What is Circular Packaging? Your Guide to the Circular Economy

If you’ve heard of the phrase ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ then this is the simplest way to describe the process of circular packaging. In line with the circular economy model, circular packaging aims to achieve high levels of sustainability without reducing the profitability of a business.¹

In a circular economy, products are reused. Or if they cannot be re-used, they are recycled through chemical, mechanical or biological processes (such as composting).² As calendar events such as Earth Day and World Oceans Day become more recognised across the globe, conversations around sustainability and being more eco-conscious are increasing.

Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about what a circular economy involves and how circular packaging can contribute to creating a more sustainable future.

A linear economy refers to ‘a process that follows a straight line of take, make and dispose. Once a material has been used for its intended purpose it is discarded and lost to the system’.³ This model relies on the usage of cheap and easily accessible materials that are designed for single use only before being disposed in landfill, meaning there is no attempt to reuse or recycle.

A circular economy is an alternative to a linear economy. It is a production model which involves the sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing and recycling of existing materials for as long as possible with the aim to extend its lifecycle and reduce waste.⁴ The model is based on three key principles: the minimization of waste and pollution, the extension of the useful life of products and materials, and the regeneration of natural systems.¹

Products that have been designed with circular packaging in mind have many benefits that are not only limited to reducing waste and helping the environment. Not only are they kind to the planet, but they can also help you to save money, by using refillable pouches, and you can also take advantage of brand reward schemes involving reusable containers.

Following a circular packaging model can help to reduce your CO₂ footprint by limiting the manufacturing of new materials and improving the security of the supply of raw materials.⁴ It also helps to relieve pressure on the environment by reducing landfill waste and encouraging the lifecycle of existing materials.

Refill pouches and reusable containers are often more cost effective for both the supplier and the consumer. The cost of a refill product is often cheaper per ml, meaning they are not only good for minimising waste, but also the amount you’re spending over time. Another good example is how coffee shops often reward customers who present a reusable cup with discounts when purchasing a hot drink. This is a good way to encourage carrying around reusable items as opposed to using single purpose cups.

The increase in corporate social responsibility and the demand for brands to become more sustainable has grown over time as more and more of us become aware about global warming and the impact our daily activities are having on the planet. This increases the competitiveness of businesses to become more eco-conscious, encouraging growth and innovation within them to come out on top.

weDo/ products are made out of recycled material and the percentage of recycled content used is visible on the outside of our packaging which can easily be identified.

The  recycling symbol is another logo that can be found on the outside of our weDo/ products and resembles the universal recycling symbol, one of the most commonly found eco-friendly logos on product packaging. It is three arrows chasing one another in a triangle and is formally known as the Mobius Loop. In the UK it’s best known for indicating the recyclability of a product.

We try to make our product packaging at weDo/ as eco-friendly as possible by using recycled material where we can and by ensuring all of our packaging is recyclable. Our No Plastic Shampoo Bars are designed with sustainability in mind, packaged in 100% recycled FSC certified cardboard with the aim to minimize waste and plastic consumption. We also have refill pouches available for our sulphate-free shampoos, silicone-free conditioners and silicone-free hair masks. These are also recyclable and use up to 80% less plastic per ml, compared to a 300ml weDo/ shampoo bottle.

weDo/’s partnership with Plastic Bank ensures that for every weDo/ product sold, 8 plastic bottles are removed from the environment and recycled. Our contribution to the circular economy and the environment is a big part of our brand ethos at weDo/. Learn more about our commitment and join us in creating a more eco-ethical and sustainable future.

Learn more about our range of eco-ethical vegan hair care products and discover more about how to diminish waste and live a more sustainable lifestyle by reading the articles on our weBlog.

Keep in touch with weDo/ by following us on Instagram and TikTok for advice on sustainable beauty, tips on how to use our products and overall joy.

¹https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/economics/circular-economy/

²https://circulesolutions.com/circular-packaging

³World Economic Forum, Ellen MacArthur Foundation and McKinsey & Company, The New Plastics Economy — Rethinking the future of plastics (2016, http://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/publications).

⁴https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/economy/20151201STO05603/circular-economy-definition-importance-and-benefits