In a world increasingly shunning single-use plastics, the beauty industry grapples with the question of whether single-use beauty products can ever truly be sustainable. Despite the stigma attached to the term ‘single-use,’ the beauty sector is exploring ways to make these products greener while preserving the advantages of freshness and convenience.

The crackdown on single-use plastics in the EU, banning items like cutlery, straws, and cotton buds, has set a precedent for environmental responsibility. The UK government has mirrored these efforts, implementing prohibitions on certain single-use plastic items since October. The recent crackdown also extends to wet wipes containing plastic, prompting a consultation to potentially ban such products across the UK.

As the beauty industry navigates these regulations, the challenge is to redefine the narrative around single-use beauty products. The beauty sector’s journey towards sustainability reflects a broader societal shift away from wasteful and excessive practices.