In line with National Recycling Week, Ego Pharmaceuticals has begun transitioning its QV tube products from non-recyclable laminate to fully recyclable low-density polyethylene (LDPE) packaging.
This switch, expected to prevent approximately 18 tonnes of packaging waste from reaching landfill annually, reflects Ego’s goal of improving environmental sustainability and meeting its targets with the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and ANZPAC (Plastics Pact).
According to Simone Thomassen, packaging projects and studio manager at Ego, this two-year project involved "extensive production and stability trials for key products" to ensure the LDPE packaging maintains the quality consumers expect from the QV brand.
Thomassen noted that the transition is underway, with some QV tube products for the Australian, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets already using the recyclable LDPE, while remaining products will follow over the next 12 months, contingent on production timing.
The LDPE packaging allows customers to recycle QV tubes through standard kerbside bins, as opposed to laminate materials, which are not recyclable in Australia due to processing limitations. Ego collaborated with Australian-based Impact International, a company noted for its sustainable practices, including its use of a privately-owned solar farm and commitment to heavy-metal-free manufacturing and recycling efforts.
This move advances Ego’s long-term sustainability goals, bringing the company closer to its objective of ensuring 100 per cent of its cosmetic packaging is reusable or recyclable.
Read PKN's recent in-depth feature covering Ego Pharmaceuticals' sustainable packaging strategy.
