Sustainability is one of our four core promises, so naturally, every step of our operations considers the wellbeing of the planet (and you, of course). From the regenerative methods used to grow our ingredients to the sustainable packaging used to get your Ouli’s products from our hands to yours—we uphold a strict ethos, so we can continue to serve as a channel for problem solving and positive growth in the beauty industry.
The reality is, there are many aspects of the beauty industry that are (quite frankly) very ugly—plastic pollution being a massive one of them. Since day one, Ouli’s has been a brand that addresses issues like plastic pollution at the source, ensuring that we not only avoid contributing to the problem but pave the way for others to explore new solutions.
In an industry that offers tons of small personal care products, our innovative sustainable packaging is one of those solutions. Because your wellbeing rituals should not (and don’t have to) come at the expense of the planet’s wellbeing.
The Need for Sustainable Packaging in Beauty
It’s estimated that the beauty industry generates 120 billion pieces of plastic packaging every year. Bottles, tubes, pumps, nozzles, caps—and the packaging that surrounds them—all take a huge toll on the planet. Because cosmetics tend to be thick, oily, and/or sticky, many of these plastic containers are not recycled—and instead spend up to 1,000 years in landfills. That’s why utilizing sustainable packaging for cosmetics is uniquely important!
On top of this, some ingredients in cosmetic products (for example, essential oils) can break down plastics that are not PET (1) or HDPE (2). If you find that your cosmetics are packaged in plastics with a recycling label of 3-7, it’s possible that these plastics are leaching harmful chemicals into your beauty products.
At Ouli’s, we believe less is more. From the regimen you choose and the ingredients in your beauty products to the packaging of those products and the holistic wellbeing they provide for you and the planet—we know that quality and intention goes a lot further than ingredient fillers and excessive packaging!
The Importance of Sustainable Packaging for the Holidays
Did you know that the average amount of household waste increases by 30% from Thanksgiving to New Years? It doesn’t seem right that the most wonderful time of the year is also the most wasteful.
While a huge portion of this waste comes from food (cue meal planning, donating, freezing, and composting), a heavy portion also comes from unsustainable packaging and wrapping as more and more gifts are purchased online. It’s also important to note that holiday packaging and gift wrapping is typically embellished with gloss gloss and glitter. While we can appreciate a great presentation, most packaging infused with glitter and other decorations can’t be recycled.
In addition to purchasing gifts that use sustainable packaging, we encourage you to take it a step further. Consider wrapping your gifts in up-cycled paper, cotton pouches, reusable holiday bags and boxes, or handmade Japanese Furoshiki wraps that can be endlessly repurposed.
Ouli’s Sustainable Packaging
We believe that delivering wellbeing shouldn’t create a huge mess along the way. When delivering all of our products, we always avoid access wrapping, use biodegradable seals, package in 100% recycled material, and manufacture in-house to eliminate product waste.
On top of that, here are a few other ways our individual products make use of sustainable packaging and practices.
- Our famous all-in-one balms are housed in aluminum lip balm tins. Aluminum is one of the most endlessly recyclable materials out there—it’s estimated that 75% of all aluminum ever made is still in circulation, and recycled aluminum requires 90% less energy to produce (compared to virgin aluminum)! On top of that, it’s durable, so you can reuse your round lip balm tins or repurpose them to hold little office supplies, your children’s knick knacks, and more.
- Our hydrating, antioxidant-rich Ola Oil also comes in aluminum, so it’s truly a zero waste body oil! After you use up all of the luxurious oil, you can reuse the tall and sleek aluminum bottle for soaps, juices, dressings, and more. You can also rest easy knowing that when you’re done with it for good, you can simply recycle it to keep it in circulation.
- In the spirit of the holidays, our warm, relaxing Bohali Nights Massage Candle comes in two beautiful + sustainable vessels! Our original deep blue glass vessel emulates the Ionian Sea's crystal waters. Our limited-edition ceramic vessel is organic and fluid, with an intentional lip that makes it easy to access the warm, healing wax. These limited-edition vessels are handmade by ceramic artist, Asa Mono and display her Japanese maker’s mark on one side and the Ouli’s logo on the other side. Consider the marks as a sweet reminder that your zero waste candle is not only gentle on the planet—it supports two small, female-owned brands!
- Our Aromatherapy Eye Pillow is also made to last with sustainable materials. The organic cotton covering is not only a work of art handcrafted by an independent female artist, it’s removable and washable to encourage continued use (and growing love).
You can see that every single product at Ouli’s is made with intention, so you can rest assured that our sustainable packaging does not contribute to the added worldwide waste this holiday season.
The thing we love most about sustainable skincare is that what’s good for the earth is also good for you—clean, honest, and intentional products can go a long way for your health and the health of the planet.