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Now that we’re clear on what bioplastics are let’s take a closer look at their environmental impact. Compared to traditional plastics, bioplastics produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions over the course of their lifetime. In fact, a study conducted in 2017 stated that switching to corn-based PLA from traditional plastic would cut US greenhouse gas emissions by 25%.

Packaging has come a long way over the years. Historians believe that the use of packaging most likely began when people became increasingly nomadic and, therefore, needed ways to protect goods during transport. In those days, materials such as animal skins and leaves were used.

• Cost: In comparison to traditional packaging materials, such as plastic, glass is a more expensive option. Brands that use glass packaging will have to charge a higher price to the end customer, which can be unappealing to budget conscious customers.

• Sugarcane: One material that’s become incredibly popular in the cosmetic industry is sugarcane-based bioplastics. Unlike the fossil fuels used to make traditional plastic packaging, sugarcane is a renewable resource, which means that in using it, we are not depleting the earth’s natural resources. There are many different types of packaging that can be made from sugarcane, such as bottles and tubes.

• Sustainable packaging materials: In recent years, cosmetic packaging has come on leaps and bounds when it comes to the environment. There are now a wide range of sustainable materials on offer, from sugarcane and aluminum to paper and glass. That being said, there’s still potential for more advancements to occur. Given that more and more consumers are turning their heads towards brands with green credentials, it won’t be surprising if cosmetic businesses invest in research and developing more sustainable e-commerce packaging solutions.

• Minimalism:For a majority of millennials, less is more. Minimalism, therefore, holds a big appeal for this generation. In short, a minimalistic design means using clean lines and simple, bold fonts. Think of brands like Glossier and The Ordinary, and you're on the right track. Minimalist packaging is a no-nonsense approach that puts the spotlight on your product.

When it comes to cosmetics, the packaging requirements differ vastly depending on the particular formula of the products. For instance, a foundation requires precise dosing of a small quantity, whereas a fake tan can be pumped out in bigger quantities, and far more liberally.