Are Refill Pouches Sustainable? Why AROMASE Says No

As daily-use products like body gel, conditioner, and shampoo increasingly opt for refill pouches, we have received inquiries from AROMASE users worldwide, questioning why we do not utilize such packaging.

In our pursuit of waste reduction through the use of eco-friendly materials, we have been actively exploring the possibility of using refill pouches. Here are some interesting findings and the reasons behind our decision.

 

Cons & Pros of Refill pouches

Cons: Reduce packaging material, minimize plastic usage, and lower transportation costs
Pros: Difficult to recycle because of its mixed materials

 

Is it possible to recycle refill pouches?

After extensive collaboration with industry leaders and material experts, the AROMASE team has discovered that many refill pouches are composed of mixed materials that cannot be efficiently separated during recycling. Consequently, the resulting low-value mixture cannot be utilized for new products. Despite the advantages of reducing plastic usage, opting for refill pouches could ultimately contribute to landfill waste rather than reducing it.

 

Why does AROMASE use rPET instead of refill pouches?

rPET stands for “recycled polyethylene terephthalate.” It is a type of plastic that is produced by recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, which is commonly used in products such as milk bottles, water bottles, food containers, and packaging materials. By using rPET, we can reduce our reliance on new plastic production and make use of existing plastic waste.

 

AROMASE is the First Asian Shampoo Brand to Achieve Silver Certification by Cradle to Cradle

Cradle to Cradle certification attempts to measure the environmental and social sustainability of your invention in five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy & carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.

 

Learn more about our Cradle to Cradle journey