Juni develops recyclable aluminium lipstick tube

Juni, founded by make-up artist Madeleine White, has created 100% recyclable aluminium lipstick tube to eliminate plastic from their packaging. The users can return empty case made of aluminium to the customer service for reuse and recycling purpose.

 “I have grown aware of the huge problem of plastic in the beauty industry. Over 142 billion pack units are produced every year around the world in the beauty sector, 95% of beauty packs are thrown away after only one use, and only 14% are transported to a recycling centre. ‘Good plastic’ does not exist,” Madeleine White told Premium Beauty News.

Following this logic, she aims to develop a lipstick line completely free from plastic. “About 900 million lipsticks, mainly in the form of single-use plastic tubes, are sold in the world every year. We were determined not to contribute to this plastic pandemic, but to produce an innovative alternative.”

Juni lipstick is free from the usual twisting mechanism that requires plastic machinery. The range has a push-button system inspired from a 1930s tube.

“Our lipstick tubes are fully made of aluminium. By using only one material, we avoided the tricky, costly separation which often hinders or prevents packaging from being recycled. Aluminium is infinitely recyclable,” said the founder.

“Although refillable cosmetic products are gaining ground, we do not believe they are the best solution for all products. Our products are not refillable right now, because it is extremely difficult to transport delicate makeup like lipstick without secured primary packaging. Refills require extra packaging or plastic components that cannot be recycled. We will make no compromise.”