Why we are going with aluminium bottles for our new skincare range is multifaceted
At PhycoHealth, we’ve been on a mission to eliminate plastics from our systems. Despite the ideal of recycling, the harsh reality is that most plastics end up in our oceans or landfills. It's clear: we simply need to get plastic out of our systems—literally.
So, where does that leave us? Naturally, plant-based materials are the next step. However, we’ve learned that cardboard, while biodegradable, is still permeable and requires plastics to make it truly durable. Until we can access a paper-based solution free from plastics, we’ve opted not to pretend we’re paper-based.
Enter glass—a lovely, natural choice, which we truly adore. But, we must acknowledge the energy use at scale, its breakability, and the additional shipping weight. All of this means glass comes in as a close second.
Number one for us, today, is aluminium. Australia is rich in aluminium, and the government is actively investing in reducing the energy footprint of aluminium manufacturing, including moving toward renewable energy sources. By supporting local industries, we're contributing to a more sustainable and ethically governed manufacturing process. Even if an aluminium bottle ends up in the ocean, it doesn’t contribute to the buildup of microplastics in the food chain, unlike plastic.
That said, there are environmental concerns with aluminium. The predicted rise in aluminium production could present challenges, but the efficiency of aluminium recycling exceeds that of many other metals. In fact, 75% of all aluminium ever made is still in use today, and recycling offers a 95% reduction in costs, providing both financial and environmental incentives. However, the industry still faces issues like the contamination of waterways with red mud, containing metals such as arsenic. Fortunately, new technologies have emerged that could turn these waste materials into high-value metals, including iron for sustainable steel production.
While aluminium does still occasionally appear in the stomachs of marine life, it is far less of a threat than plastics.
In the end, we must make choices. We understand that our packaging decisions will always have an impact, but we’re committed to minimizing it. So, as we introduce our new skincare range, we’re proud to present it in “naked metal” bottles—simple, beautiful, and made with an eye toward sustainability. We’ve kept the natural material in the forefront, minimizing additional chemicals and plasticizers used in printing, so that you can be more aware of the materials in your products.
And we’re not stopping here. Our bottles are built to last, are printed with food safe, water-based and non-toxic inks, and we’re working on refill options to reduce waste even further. Further - we are looking to the best compostable reill sachets, just like we use for our SeaFibre supplements.
We hope this gives you a glimpse into our journey toward sustainability, and we’re excited to have you on this mission with us!
References:
Australian Government, Department of Industry, Science and Resources. "Joint Media Release - Aluminium Forge: Australia's Manufacturing Future." Link
ScienceDirect. "Sustainability of Aluminum Production: The Environmental Impact of Aluminum Recycling." Link
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). "Plastic Pollution and its Impact on Marine Life." Link
