The beauty industry is at a pivotal moment with sustainability. Whilst consumers are more passionate than ever about self-expression and wellness, they are also demanding transparency, accountability, and sustainable innovation from the brands they support. The shift isn’t just about creating products that look and feel good, it’s about reshaping the industry to minimize environmental impact and maximize positive change.
Green Tech in Beauty
Technology is playing an increasingly vital role in making beauty more sustainable. Companies like Facer Printers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, harnessing innovations such as AI and 3D printing to create beauty products that are both customizable and less wasteful. Personalized solutions mean products can be tailored to an individual’s exact needs, reducing overproduction, excess inventory, and discarding items that don’t quite match. AI is also helping brands analyse consumer preferences, streamline supply chains, and predict demand more accurately, all of which reduce unnecessary waste.
We spoke to MD, Luke Wilson at Facer Printers about their mission to cut waste and reimagine packaging. From plastic-free blister packs to renewable-energy-powered production, Facer is showing how tech can make beauty both innovative and sustainable.
How does sustainability fit into the company’s vision? Sustainability is weaved into FACER and forms a huge part of our vision. To lift a direct quote from our values: “We make all decisions with the future sustainability of our actions at their core.”
What steps has Facer Printers taken to make its processes or products more sustainable? All printed folding carton manufacturers should be able to claim that they are sustainable, however, FACER has considered this end-to-end, from the use of a completely chemical-free plate-making system, to printing with vegetable oil-based inks and water-based coatings, and even powering our factory from renewable energy sources (solar, wind and wave). An advantage of folding carton packaging is that it is mono-material, paper-based and fully recyclable.
Have you noticed a shift in consumer demand toward eco-conscious beauty solutions? One of the biggest shifts in consumer demand toward eco-conscious beauty solutions we have seen, is the demand for refill products instead of replacements. This leans into circular economy principles, and we also hold a belief that the secondary packaging that houses any primary product should be ephemeral, with the materials that it was made from, easily recycled in conventional waste streams and equally, repurposed.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in making beauty tech more sustainable, and how have you tackled them? The removal of single-use plastic from packaging, whether a small plastic blister encapsulating a lip balm, a full plastic fitment housing an array of products for a gift pack. FACER was first commercially to market in the UK with a plastic-free blister pack; we’ve since gone on to help dozens of brands navigate away from unnecessary single-use plastics within their packaging portfolios.
How do you see technology like Facer Printers shaping the beauty industry in the next 5–10 years, particularly around sustainability? FACER’s impact will continue to be driven from empowering progressive brands to captivate their consumers globally, by solving complex challenges and creating the most compelling ecological packaging that facilitates an unforgettable connection.
What advice would you give to beauty founders or consumers who want to make more sustainable choices? Secondary packaging as a huge brand storytelling and consumer engagement opportunity. To quote Matthew Dixon, The Challenger Sale: “What sets the best suppliers apart is not the quality of their products, but the value of their insight—new ideas to help clients either make money or save money in ways they didn’t even know were possible.” Choose your suppliers wisely.
Ingredient Transparency
Today’s beauty consumer isn’t satisfied with vague ingredient lists. They want to know exactly what goes into their products, where those ingredients come from, and how they affect both people and the planet. As a result, brands are embracing clean, biodegradable, and ethically sourced ingredients. This shift not only minimizes environmental impact but also builds trust with consumers who are increasingly health- and eco-conscious. Ingredient transparency also highlights the importance of responsible sourcing—from fair trade botanicals to lab-grown alternatives that reduce strain on ecosystems.
Packaging Innovations
Packaging has long been one of beauty’s biggest sustainability challenges, with single-use plastics dominating shelves and ending up in landfills. But a new wave of packaging innovation is changing the game. Brands are moving toward compostable, refillable, and recycled materials, offering solutions that not only reduce waste but also create a more circular economy. From sleek refill pods to biodegradable wraps, these designs prove that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing aesthetics.
Consumers are increasingly drawn to companies that provide eco-friendly packaging options, and this pressure is driving the entire industry to rethink its approach. The intersection of beauty and sustainability is no longer a niche conversation; it’s the future of the industry. Green technology, ingredient transparency, and packaging innovation are creating a more responsible and resilient beauty landscape, where brands can thrive without compromising the planet.
Working with Bespoke Advantage
Bespoke Advantage is a London based international beauty brand consultancy. We are a team of experts, associates and business partners specialising in supporting our clients – award-winning entrepreneurs, well established beauty and wellness businesses, retailers, investors, trade bodies and embassies – in developing and growing their brands across the beauty and wellness marketplace. If you are looking to launch a beauty or wellness brand or you are looking for support in expanding your brand across markets, GET IN TOUCH.
