🌍 Aluminum Packaging Faces Tariff Pressure: Cosmetics Industry Turns to Sustainable Alternatives

Background
Recently, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on certain aluminum packaging products. This has significantly increased the cost for cosmetics and pharmaceutical brands that traditionally rely on aluminum tubes for their lightweight properties, strong product protection, and vintage appeal.

At the same time, global warming and heightened expectations around corporate responsibility are accelerating the demand for sustainable packaging. New biomaterials, such as Vivomer — a microbial-derived, biodegradable alternative to plastic developed in the UK — are attracting attention as innovative solutions. Alongside such emerging technologies, practical and scalable options are already available for brands seeking eco-conscious packaging.

🌱 Alternative 1: Sugarcane-Based PE (Bio-PE)

Sugarcane-based PE is produced by converting ethanol derived from sugarcane into polyethylene. Its molecular structure is identical to conventional fossil-based PE, which means it can replace up to 100% of virgin PE in cosmetic tubes and bottles.

• Advantages: 100% renewable source, lower carbon footprint, identical performance to traditional PE, recyclable.

• Limitations: Higher cost compared to fossil PE, not biodegradable (still a plastic).

🌾 Alternative 2: Wheat Straw Composites

Wheat straw fibers are blended with PE or PP to produce composite cosmetic tubes, with a typical addition rate of 20–40%, most commonly around 30%.

• Advantages: Unique natural particle appearance, eco-friendly look and feel, ideal for brands promoting sustainability.

• Limitations: Cannot fully replace plastic; mechanical strength and smoothness are slightly lower than pure plastic.

♻️ Alternative 3: PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) Materials

PCR materials are produced from recycled plastics (such as PE and PET) and can be incorporated into cosmetic tubes and bottles at 1–100%.

• Advantages: Reduces virgin plastic consumption, widely adopted by major global beauty brands, supports circular economy.

• Limitations: Higher PCR content may cause color variations (grayish appearance, less clarity), and must meet cosmetic/food-grade certifications.

🌐 Looking Ahead: Beyond Plastics with Biodegradable Innovations

While Bio-PE, wheat straw composites, and PCR are already commercially viable, next-generation materials like Vivomer and other microbial-based biodegradable plastics offer a glimpse of the future. These solutions can break down naturally without industrial composting, potentially transforming the sustainability landscape for cosmetic packaging.

📝 Conclusion

With rising aluminum costs and increasing environmental concerns, the cosmetics industry is embracing a new wave of sustainable packaging solutions. From sugarcane-based PE that offers a 100% renewable alternative, to wheat straw composites with their natural eco-friendly appeal, and PCR materials enabling large-scale circular use, brands today already have effective alternatives. Looking forward, emerging biomaterials such as Vivomer point to even more transformative opportunities for eco-conscious packaging.