In a bid to help minimise plastic waste, Shiseido Hong Kong is to transition its e-commerce packaging to more sustainable alternatives.
The brand will begin to use a water-soluble plastic bag called Eco-friendly Clear Bag, made of PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol), starch, glycerin, and water. It is considered a “green” plastic bag for the following features:
- Water-soluble: it can dissolve within five minutes in 80 degrees C hot water with stirring, but can also break down in cold water at a slower rate. When disposed of, microorganisms in sewage plants can help break it down into CO2, which, unfortunately, can still contribute to emissions in our atmosphere. However, the material is still more eco-friendly than traditional plastic.
- Biodegradable: The bag breaks down within 90 days in landfills.
- Compostable: The bag is certified compostable.
- Eco-friendly ink: The bag uses eco-friendly ink that contains no heavy metals or ketone.
In addition, the brand will transition from using plastic bubble wrap inside its e-commerce packaging to a more environmentally-friendly honeycomb paper wrap. The new cushioning is made of kraft paper and is 100-per-cent recyclable. The honeycomb shape help provides a strong cushion to protect delicate beauty products, just as bubble wrap does.
“We are always inspired by the unique Japanese concept of “Mottainai”. The word expresses a sense of regret over waste and is a call for gratitude and respect,” stated the company.
“We hope to advocate the concepts of reusing, recycling, reducing and replacing with respect, and join forces with every customer to create a more sustainable, beautiful future.”
