If you’re a business looking for long-haul, then you might have the environment on your mind. It is estimated that 350 million tons of plastic waste are produced each year, and while personal care products do not account for all of that, it is an eye-popping amount that would make anyone want to consider eco-friendly alternatives to traditional soap manufacturing.
At Commonwealth Soap & Toiletries, our commitment to exploring sustainable alternatives is evolving. Every step counts. Our saponification system has upgraded to a superior system that is near-zero waste when compared to kettle saponifying. We also strive to maintain partnerships with B-Certified Corporations that mirror our own standard of ethics, environmental consciousness, and transparency of information.
As the world becomes increasingly aware of environmental issues, the demand for green products is not just a trend—it’s a shift towards new means of production.
Let’s explore just some of the eco-friendly soap trends that are making waves in the industry.
1. Zero-Waste Soap Bars
As manufacturers we know it isn’t just the product, but what it’s shipped and sold in. As reported by the Zoe Report, soap bars are seeing a rise in popularity, in part due to their reduced waste when compared to liquid soap bottles.
Among other conveniences, soap bars are thought to minimize waste with biodegradable packaging, recyclable packaging, or no packaging at all to offer a pure, waste-free cleansing experience. Soap bars continue to have a positive reputation in environmental spaces, with The Washington Post indicating that soap bars have roughly one-third of the emissions that liquid soap production has. If lower emissions are on your mind, then soap bars may be the best option for your business.
2. Recycled Packaging
This is particularly beneficial for your packaging; while biodegradable packaging ensures a more eco-friendly degradation process, recycled packaging makes used products useful once again! Paper products (like cardboard sleeves) are an excellent alternative to plastic packaging.
We have regularly partnered up with packaging companies that offer a wide range of eco-friendly packaging solutions such as boxes, cartons, labels, paper, wraps, and stickers. A mindful approach to packaging makes for a product that considerably reduces waste and, quite often, is far more biodegradable compared to plastic packaging.
3. Refill Stations
Many brands, retailers, and wholesalers are now offering refill stations where customers can replenish their soap containers, shampoos, lotions, and more. Consumers are invited to bring their own reusable containers, fill them from the store’s supply, and bring them to “weigh stations” on-site where they can buy per pound purchased. This initiative drastically reduces plastic waste and encourages a refill culture among consumers, though this is reflected in the cost, which Save Money, Cut Carbon suggests can be up to twice the price of single-use products.
4. Natural Ingredients
Consumers are increasingly drawn to soaps made from natural ingredients, and for good reason: These soaps are free from harsh chemicals, relying on the natural properties of ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter to cleanse and nourish the skin.
Why are natural ingredients better for the environment? Part of this comes down to biodegradability — natural oils in soaps are found to degrade quickly while remaining non-toxic.
5. Sustainably Sourced Palm Oil
Palm oil has become a divisive topic among environmentalists, and the push for sustainable sourcing is crucial; The World Wildlife Foundation even indicates that increasing production on palm plantations is more sustainable than expanding to degraded lands, leading to further deforestation and interruption of wildlife. Aware of the environmental impact of conventional palm oil harvesting, eco-conscious brands are encouraged to identify opportunities that ensure their resources are sustainably sourced or use alternatives that do not contribute to deforestation.
That being said, Commonwealth Soap & Toiletries is proud to be RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, meaning we source palm oil based on high ethical standards. Better waste management, reduced emissions, and market compliance standards set by RSPO make a more environmentally conscious operation.
6. Local Production
Local production reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods. Brands are opting to source ingredients locally and manufacture their soaps closer to where they are sold. The longer the freight, the larger the environmental impact.
Why These Trends Matter
Each of these trends not only contributes to a healthier planet but also aligns with the values of consumers who are making more purchasing decisions based on ethical considerations and environmental impact.
At Commonwealth Soap & Toiletries, we strive to meet the sustainability needs of your business and to evolve with you as more environmentally friendly alternatives are made available to our industry.
Embracing these eco-friendly practices allows us to not only do our part in protecting the planet but also cater to a growing market that values sustainability as much as we do.
Speak with our team and see how you can evolve your production process and reduce our impact on the environment!