Aluminum is the Gold Standard in Sustainable Packaging. Here's Why...
In this article:
- What makes single-use plastic so scary?
- What makes aluminum more sustainable?
- Debunking myths about aluminum...
- How aluminum can help reduce your own carbon footprint...
In a world where environmental concerns loom large, making sustainable choices isn't just a trend; it's a necessity. Every conscious consumer and forward-thinking company are seeking ways to minimize their carbon footprint.
As we embark on this quest for a greener future, Highland is always seeking ways to run our business more sustainably while leading an industry wide shift to sustainable values and practices.
When it comes to packaging, we're confident that we have found the most kick-ass ally in our mission to reduce waste while providing an unmatched customer experience -- aluminum.
What's The Problem With Single-Use Plastic Anyway?
The beauty and personal care industry has always relied heavily on plastic packaging, and even though public awareness has grown around the issues these plastics present, its widespread usage has shown no signs in slowing down. It's now estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than there are fish. RUFKM???
But it's not just about pollution. The production of single-use plastic packaging is an energy-intensive process, and it relies heavily on fossil fuels. This contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and accelerates climate change. The plastic industry's unsustainable practices are wreaking havoc on our planet, and it's high time we put an end to it.
While pollution in our oceans, landfills, and even our bodies continues to pile up, our markets haven't done enough to provide more sustainable options to the end consumer. In the world of hair-care and hair-styling, Highland is looking to put an end to the lack of better options -- all starting with our 100% natural and high-performance hair clay, the Glacial Clay Pomade.
Why Highland and Why Hair Products?
To be sure, there are many flawed industries that over-produce plastic and create unnecessary pollution and waste. Before launching Highland, as we searched for an opportunity to make a difference in the consumer packaged goods space, one stood out to us -- hair products.
Have you walked into a salon or barbershop lately? How about a Target or Walgreens in the shampoo aisle? If you have, you're sure to have encountered a disgusting amount of single-use plastics to house the products we put onto and into our hair. And to us, that translates to an absurd amount of plastics that are going to end up in our landfills, oceans, and fragile ecosystems from hair products, alone.
Speaking about our Glacial Clay Pomade specifically, if you went out looking for a hair styling product (be it a hair clay, a clay pomade, or any other hair styling product), there's a near-certain chance that it's packaged in plastic. Hell, there's a pretty solid chance that there is plastic INSIDE the hair-clay you're putting onto your body, as well.
Of course, this troubled us. But what we found even more disingenuous and problematic was the companies that claim to value health, performance, and sustainability yet still package their hair products in non eco-friendly materials. Here, we're talking about the competitors that produce an all-natural hair clay pomade, an organic hair clay pomade, a natural pomade, a healthy hair clay, an eco-friendly hair clay, a sustainable pomade, or anything that falls under the umbrella of natural/sustainable hair styling products... And what did we find these competitors packaged their natural hair clay in? Plastics, glass, or a combination of the two... both of which have large carbon footprints in production and contribute to the growing waste issue our industry faces.
To us, this actually made the solution crystal clear. Once we had an all natural hair clay made with organic ingredients that out-performed everything else on the market, all we had to do was was make sure this premium all natural hair clay was packaged more sustainably than anything else out there... But with such a low-bar to clear, we began our search for the most sustainable packaging for our all-natural pomade that simultaneously provided the customer with a high-end, luxurious experience that mirrored the luxury experience our all-natural pomade already provided in day to day use... Which brings us to 👇
The Aluminum Advantage
1. Infinite Recyclability: The crown jewel of aluminum is its infinite recyclability. Unlike plastic, which degrades with each recycling cycle, aluminum retains its quality and purity. This means that an aluminum bottle can be recycled again and again, without EVER losing its integrity. In fact, nearly 75% of all the aluminum ever produced is still in use today. Now, that's insane if you think about it. This is "reduce, reuse, recycle" in action, and embodies exactly what Highland was going for.
2. Energy Efficiency: Producing aluminum from recycled materials requires only a fraction of the energy needed to create it from scratch. This means less energy consumption and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Preservation of Contents: Aluminum containers are not only durable but also excellent at preserving the contents inside. They protect against light, air, and moisture, ensuring that your beauty products (and our Glacial Clay Pomade) remain fresh and potent. This benefit is super underrated, and ensures that our all natural pomade and all natural hair clay perform at the highest level with every use, while the organic and health boosting ingredients inside of our natural hair clay maintain their wonderful hair health promoting benefits every time you use the product.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: Let's be honest; aluminum packaging exudes a certain elegance and sophistication. It's a premium choice that not only feels good in your hands but also looks great on your bathroom counter or in your dopp kit. If your haircare routine looks great, then your packaging deserves the same treatment...
5. Lightweight and Convenient: Aluminum is lightweight yet sturdy, making it perfect for travel and daily use. Say Adios to bulky, plastic bottles that weigh down your luggage and deteriorate quickly. When using aluminum, we ensure that your haircare routine stands tall no matter where your adventures take you.
Busting The Myths About Aluminum
Now, before you start picturing aluminum cans littering the landscape, let's debunk a few myths.Myth 1: Aluminum is Scarce
Contrary to popular belief, aluminum is not as scarce as you might think. It's the third most abundant element on Earth's crust, and it's highly recyclable. In fact, recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce it from raw materials.Myth 2: Recycling is Inefficient
Recycling aluminum is incredibly efficient. It takes just 60 days for an aluminum can to be collected, recycled, and wind up back on the shelf as a new container. This rapid turnaround time means less waste in landfills and a smaller carbon footprint, all while losing 0% of the original material. This means our natural hair clay may be re-incarnated to another aluminum product you use later in life -- that's pretty sweet, ain't it :)
Myth 3: Recycling Aluminum is Costly
Recycling aluminum is not just environmentally friendly; it's also cost-effective. The recycling process is far less expensive than mining and refining new aluminum ore. This means that companies can produce sustainable packaging without breaking the bank, keeping costs and carbon footprint low at the same time... a true win-win for everyone.
Our Commitment to a Greener Future
As an all-natural & sustainable haircare company with products soon to be ranging from natural hair clays to natural hair creams to natural hair cleansers, we've always been committed to providing our customers with products that are good for their hair and for our home. We realized that sustainability wasn't just a choice; it was our responsibility... and aluminum is helping us turn this responsibility a reality.
But our commitment to driving this industry in a healthier and more sustainable direction goes beyond just using aluminum. We've also taken other steps to reduce our overall environmental footprint when conducting day-to-day business👇
Plant-Based & Sustainably-Sourced Ingredients: Starting with our Glacial Clay Pomade, an all natural hair styling clay crafted with plant-based and organic ingredients, we're endlessly committed to ensuring that our products are crafted using the best materials available, incised and out... while promising that all-natural ingredients that are gentle on your hair and safe to the environment. No harsh chemicals, no compromises.
Official Environmental Partnerships: We partner with 1% For The Planet and EcoCart. Every single year, we donate 1% of our total profits to environmental organizations determined to reverse the climate crisis at hand. We also offer a tool to every customer which offsets the total carbon wasted per each order by donating a portion of their total order value to approved solar and wind farms around the globe. Check out more on why EcoCart rocks in our recent blog here!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: We're actively promoting the three Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle – in all aspects of our business. From minimizing waste in our sourcing, production & shipping process to encouraging customers to recycle their aluminum tins, we're doing our part.
Here's How You Can Make A Difference
Recycle Right: When you finish a tin of our Highland, Don't Throw It Away. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, so make sure it finds its way to the recycling bin after a thorough water rinse. Check your local recycling guidelines for more information.
Spread the Word: Share the benefits of aluminum packaging with your friends and family. The more people know, the more positive change we can create together.
Support Sustainable Brands: Look for brands that have made the switch to aluminum packaging and are committed to eco-friendly practices. Your purchasing power can influence the industry. Take the first step and get the healthiest and most sustainable hair clay on the market in your hair today!
Demand Accountability: Hold companies accountable for their packaging choices. Let them know that you value sustainability and expect them to do the same.
Wrapping It Up
The future of packaging is aluminum, and it's a future we're excited to be a part of. It's bold, it's beautiful, and it's endlessly recyclable. By choosing aluminum, we're not just protecting our hair; we're protecting our planet. It's time to embrace the aluminum revolution and leave single-use plastics in the past where they belong.
So, here's to luscious locks, a cleaner environment, and a future that shines as brightly as an aluminum tin in the sun. Join us in making the change – one aluminum container at a time. Together, we can create a world where sustainability isn't a choice; it's a way of life. BAM.
A Gift For YOU.
If you've made it this far, you really do care and that means something. Use code 'aluminumcrafted' for 15% off your next Highland Glacial Hair Clay Pomade purchase and continue repping the best all natural hair clay in the game.