32 oz Liquid Soap CartonUpdated 8 months ago
After an initial lifecycle analysis (LCA) comparing a carton with aluminum, glass, and our existing post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle, the carton was chosen because it is the single-use option with the least impact on the environment. When assessing alternative packaging options, it is important to consider the entire lifecycle of each component of the packaging. This includes looking at the impacts of material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and end of life. Using information from the packaging industry & our packaging suppliers and lifecycle databases, our analysis showed that cartons have the least environmental impact when assessing multiple metrics such as fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.
While cartons are considered recyclable in the US (it is reported that 60% of households have access), the reality is that packaging put into our recycle bins may end up not getting recycled. Because of this reality, in the LCA assessment we assumed the carton would go to landfill in the overall environmental impact. While this scenario is clearly worse than if that package was recycled, it is important to note that in our analysis, the landfilled carton still had a lower overall impact than a recycled plastic, glass, or aluminum bottle. For example, while a package going to the landfill would contribute to greenhouse gas emissions from that landfill. The greenhouse gas emissions associated with the material and manufacturing of the other packaging options are significantly higher.
Aluminum and glass are great options for refillable/reusable packaging due to their durability. However, when assessed as a single-use option, these materials have a higher environmental impact. With our carton, we’re hoping to encourage customers to shift away from single-use, high-environmental-impact packaging and utilize the carton to refill their multi-use containers again and again.
The best-case scenario is our carton is used to refill an existing container and then recycled. Worst-case scenario, even if it goes to landfill, the carton still has less of an environmental impact (according to our LCA) than our single-use PCR PET bottle getting recycled. By purchasing a 32 oz liquid soap carton, you will use more than 80% less plastic than our PCR 32 oz bottles.
For more information on how we are addressing our plastic usage, check out our blog post about this topic which was recently updated in March 2023. We appreciate your patience with us as we continue to work to find a solution that best serves our planet, product, and community.
Material: Multi-Layer Carton - 75% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Paper, 5% Aluminum, and 20% Polyethylene (PE) with a Polypropylene (PP) Cap. All materials are virgin and not post-consumer recycled (PCR).
Recyclability: Recyclable!
After Life Instructions: Simply empty your carton and replace the cap to recycle*.
*Recycling systems, facility capabilities, and the market value of recycled materials vary around the world, so we encourage you to visit Earth911 or Carton Council website to determine if our packaging is recyclable in your area.