How do we evaluate refillable airless packaging?

Refillable airless packaging is one of the most important categories among current sustainable package options. Today, I would like to introduce how we evaluate a refillable airless container to determine if it's worthy to recommend to clients.

We would usually take the following 8 factors into consideration.

1. Is it a good airless package?

First of all, setting aside the refill concept, is it a good airless package? Including quality, function, hygiene, and user-experience, among others. 

2. Is the refill pod a complete solution?

The reason we are taking this factor into consideration is that we have noticed many so-called "refillable packaging" rushing into market with poorly-designed refills. These refills are not ready-to-go retail packaging and require further development by the brands. Developing such a project is time-consuming and not guaranteed to yield positive result. Therefore, we would like to spot it at the outset, and rule it out from our list.

3. Is it easy to replace the refill?

4. How is its "sustainability performance"? 

We will calculate 2 rates,

• 1) How much materials will be REUSED;
• 2) How much plastic waste could be REDUCED.

There are refillable packages on the market which allow for refilling, but their design still results in a significant amount of material waste, which we believe is not satisfactory. That is the reason why we take this factor into consideration. It is not the name of the concept that matters, but rather how much actual benefit it brings us.

5. The durability of the reusable case

6. Higher requirements on safety and sustainability of the materials used in the packaging

This is an advanced requirement, which is why I placed it towards the end of the list.

This is being taken into consideration because certain materials that have been commonly used and accepted in cosmetic packaging have faced criticism in recent years. As the world places a greater emphasis on environmental protection and safety, it is important to reevaluate these materials. 

To take ABS and SAN plastics as examples, they have been widely used in beauty packaging for decades and remain popular today.

However, these days people are more cautious about using them and consider them less sustainable than other plastics. In some areas of the world, packages made from these materials are required to be tested to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

The good news is that some manufacturers have noticed this demand and started developing new packages using materials that are considered more environmentally friendly and with no concerns at safety. For example, to use PP to replace ABS in caps, and PET / PETG to SAN and PMMA in thick-walled cosmetic bottles / jars. 

7. Pricing

Sustainable packaging generally costs more than conventional oackagings at present. It is reasonable and understandable to invest in a better tomorrow, but affordability remains essential to make it a reality. 

8. Style

After all, this is beauty industry, and fortunately good designs could achieve clean and beauty at the same time. 

Above are the 8 factors we would consider when assessing a refillable airless package. All refillable airless products we recommend have passed this assessment and are considered good to similars. You can rest assured and choose the ones that suit your needs.

Feel free to send us a message or write an email to hello@partnerpkg.com if you would like to discuss it more with us.