Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-08-04 06:23Core Insights - The beauty industry is undergoing a transformation where packaging, traditionally seen as disposable, is being redefined as a durable good within a circular economy framework [1][2][5] - France is leading the way with a pilot project involving six perfume brands aimed at reusing bottles, marking a significant shift towards sustainability in high-end beauty [2][5] - The French law on waste reduction and circular economy mandates increasing reuse rates, pushing the beauty industry to rethink its operational models [2][24] Group 1: Industry Initiatives - Six major brands have formed alliances to promote sustainability, including the establishment of organizations like TRASCE and The Value of Beauty Alliance [2][5] - The "La Boucle Beauté" project, involving brands like Lancôme and Chanel, aims to test a large-scale perfume bottle reuse system [5][8] - The initiative includes a logistics system for collecting and cleaning used bottles, utilizing innovative CO2 cleaning technology to minimize environmental impact [8][12] Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The French "Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law" (AGEC) sets specific reuse targets for packaging, requiring 7% reuse by the end of 2025 and 10% by 2027 [2][24] - The law includes over a hundred obligations and prohibitions aimed at eliminating single-use plastics by 2040, with phased targets for reduction, reuse, and recycling [24][26] Group 3: Challenges and Opportunities - The beauty industry generates millions of tons of packaging waste annually, with 95% of containers discarded after a single use, highlighting the need for a shift towards reuse [11][12] - The transition from recycling to reuse presents challenges in product design, cleaning standards, and logistics, requiring a collaborative ecosystem [12][14] - In China, the lack of mandatory policies and infrastructure for reuse presents a significant barrier, with current practices largely focused on recycling rather than establishing a verified reuse system [26][30] Group 4: Consumer Perception - Consumer acceptance of reused products is a critical barrier, as perceptions of hygiene and value affect willingness to participate in reuse programs [32][33] - Education and trust-building measures are essential to shift consumer mindsets towards embracing reused beauty products [32][33]