Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable packaging isn't a marketing tick for me. It's something I've researched and questioned honestly, and continue to refine.
Because when it comes to the environment, good intentions aren't enough.
My Packaging Promise
Navigating the sea of eco-friendly packaging options for Seadragon Organic has been a meticulous journey. Balancing durability, aesthetics and the environmental impacts presented a unique challenge, as none of the options are ‘perfect’.
If all goes to plan, all Seadragon Organic products will be in bio-degradabe in landfil tubes and jars by the end of 2026. This packaging is both readily recyclable and biodegradable.
I have selected tubes and jars infused with plant-based material and engineered to enhance breakdown in landfill, with the goal of 6 to 10 years under optimal conditions. Landfill systems vary in Australia and as such this outcome cannot be guaranteed.
Mailing boxes are both degradable and double as the product box, removing the necessity for small product boxes for each product.
I will continue to monitor real-world performance and new biopolymer options to ensure our packaging delivers on its promise.
In Australia, an estimated 10,000 tonnes of cosmetic packaging ends up in landfill per year.
Finding The Best Options Available
I have always loved the luxurious feel of glass jars. My initial thought was that glass could be the perfect solution, since it can be recycled indefinitely — at least in theory.
But as I dug deeper, I realised how much energy is required to manufacture and recycle glass. Then I looked at aluminium tubes, which seemed promising until I discovered that skincare formulas can interact with the metal. To prevent this, the tubes are often lined with plastic. While aluminium is recyclable in principle, in many cosmetic formats recycling remains low due to these mixed materials and council collection systems.
I also explored plant-based options, hoping they would be a greener alternative. Yet many of these materials can take up to 100 years to break down—or only degrade when returned to the manufacturer for specific composting treatments.
In other words, “biodegradable” can sometimes be just another form of greenwashing. Sadly, most cosmetic packaging in Australia — an estimated 10,000 tonnes per year, still ends up in landfill.
Why I Choose Bio-Plastic
This exploration made me realise how often we rely on complex packaging that is too small or contains mixed materials (like plastic/bamboo, or plastic/metal) to be accepted in regular kerbside recycling. Pumps and sprayers, for example, are almost always destined for landfill due to their mixed components. I wanted a solution that would be uncomplicated for customers - something that would not force anyone to wonder which bin to use or whether the packaging would actually be recycled or end up in landfill.
Through this process, it became clear that we need to do more than just select a “green” material. We need to reduce the overall waste footprint and choose simple, easily recyclable options. That goal led me to look for simplified packaging - a solution that aligns with my vision of minimising landfill contributions while still delivering effective, high-quality packaging.
What I have selected is both recyclable AND bio-degradable.
That is why I have selected bio-plastic tubes and jars for my skincare products. Plastic that is infused with plant material designed to ultimately breakdown in landfill within 6 to 10 years under ideal conditions. I hope to introduce these in early 2026.
I will continue to review packaging options as new materials become commercially available, and I hope to collaborate with an Australian company that is developing a 100% plastic-free bio-polymer made from kelp; one designed to biodegrade in landfill. If successful, it will represent an exciting step forward in reducing cosmetic packaging waste and creating a truly sustainable system.
