If you have visited our store lately, you may have noticed our new Solar Stress™ range, encased in beautiful, 100% recycled Aluminium tubes. Packaging has always been a controversial topic for us. How to merge in sustainability, climate and convenience? After many months of research, debates, and testings, we have elected recycled aluminium as our packaging of choice moving forward. Here are the reasons behind this bold move...

Better for the Planet

According to the OECD, the world is producing twice as much plastic waste as two decades ago. Did you know that globally, only nine percent of plastic waste is recycled? The remaining 91% of plastic waste is discarded, ending in incineration, landfill, or polluting the environment (source: oecd.org). What's more, plastic recycling is highly complex and often impossible when mixed with other materials (laminations, etc.) making the entire industry highly inefficient.

Aluminium is infinitely recyclable. Today, about 75% of all aluminium produced in history is still in use.

Aluminium, on the other end, is the golden child of circularity. It is infinitely recyclable without loosing its properties and its recycling process is simple and straightforward. In fact, Aluminium is one of the most recycled materials on earth. It is estimated that 75% of all aluminium produced in history - nearly a billions tons - is still in use (source: international-aluminium.org). If you want to know more, check out this case study on circularity of aluminium cans compared to single-use glass and plastic bottles. 

Another great advantage is the after life of aluminium. Unlike plastic, aluminium won't break down into micro pieces if discarded into the environment. Instead, it will slowly oxidise (just like any metal) into ions, leaving no trace behind. This however will take a very long time - about 250 years - so make sure to give your SPF tube a second life by placing it in the recycling bin.

Better for the Climate

While the production of primary aluminium still contributes to 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, recycling aluminium takes 5% of the energy used to make new aluminium. Our tubes are made of 100% recycled aluminium, which saves up to 95 percent of the energy needed to produce virgin aluminium, which also limits emissions, including greenhouse gases.

Recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy needed to produce virgin aluminium.

As countries improve on efficiency, and work at decarbonising their electricity production, we should see further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for the industry. As an example, Canada sources roughly 90% of its primary aluminium production using hydroelectric power, considering it to be the most sustainable in the world.

Better for the Product

Yes, aluminium tubes are still a minority in cosmetics, and even more so amongst SPF products. That's mainly because plastic tubes are perceived as more convenient. In pharmacology however, aluminium is everywhere. Why? Because of its unique properties. Aluminium creates a barrier to protect product from contaminations – light, oxygen and moisture – ensuring longer shelf life and higher security to patients. This is why all therapeutic creams and gels are encased in aluminium tubes, not plastic. In Australia and the United States, sunscreens are regulated as therapeutics, so why aren't they packaged as such?  

Aluminium tubes create a barrier from photo-degradation and contamination to air, dust and bacterias.

Our recycled aluminium tubes are also coated on the inside which avoids any reaction, contamination or leakage into the product. As you squeeze the product out, the tube will not regain its shape like a plastic tube. This avoids air, dust and bacterias entering in the tube and oxidising or contaminating the sunscreen. Finally, when sitting in the sun, aluminium completely blocks any UVs from penetrating the packaging barrier which preserves the formula and its actives from photo-degradation.

How to Use your Aluminium Tube

Aluminium tubes take a little bit of getting used to, but given the environmental benefits, we believe it is worth the change. Here are a few tips to make your tube last so you can enjoy your sunscreen until the very last drop:

• Squeeze it from the tail: when dispensing your product, try not to squeeze the tube close to the cap. Instead press it from the very end (near the fold). As you go through your tube, it will be easier to flatten and fold on itself. 
• Fold as you go: as your tubes empties, you will be able to fold the end on its own, keeping your tube nice and compact.  This will also make dispensing easy.
• Be Kind: Keep your tube away from sharp objects, and store in a case if possible, to avoid the tube getting punctured or bended.
• Recycle in two easy steps: When your tube is empty, take the cap off and place both cap and tube into the recycling bin. No need to rinse your tube. During the recycling process, it will be melted at high-temperatures and turned into other highly recyclable products.

We hope you enjoy your new SPF tube, and embrace the change away from plastic. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out team at hello@people4oceam.com.