We utilise a number of materials in our packaging, carefully balancing various considerations in order to choose the most appropriate material to house each formulation. Aesop's packaging codes have remained largely unchanged over the years. Our packaging ethos has always been utilitarian: vessels must be functional, humble and have minimal environmental impact. Guided by these uncompromising principles, we must also ensure there is formulation compatibility, adherence to global compliance regulations and functional simplicity for our customers.
Since 2019, Aesop has worked to transition the majority of plastic bottles in our range from virgin Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) to Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET), comprising a minimum of 97 per cent recycled material sourced from post-consumer kerbside recycled content. As of the end of 2021, approximately 88% of the PET in our packaging is now from recycled sources.
Our products are predominately housed in aluminium, glass and recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) plastic.
Aluminium
We often select aluminium for its versatility, and its environmental credentials—it is a readily and infinitely recyclable packaging material. A number of our products are packaged in aluminium tubes, allowing for convenient and controlled dispensing in lightweight formats ideal for travel.
Amber-coloured glass
We favour amber-coloured glass—traditionally used by the beverage and pharmaceutical industries for housing alcohol and medicinal products—partly because glass is inert and does not interfere with ingredients, but also because dark glass affords its contents a degree of UV protection, minimising the need for preservatives. Where possible, we use glass packaging made from recycled content.
Plastic
Our decision to use plastic is not made lightly, rather it is based on a holistic convergence of our packaging principles, stringent compatibility testing, and the pragmatic acknowledgement that this material offers a lightweight, eminently portable and safe option for products frequently used for travel or in wet areas.
Recycled PET provides a lightweight, durable and safe material to house our formulations. Bottles are manufactured using a minimum of 97 per cent recycled content sourced from post-consumer kerbside recycling. In partnering with our suppliers, Aesop, through the use of recycled PET has helped create demand and value for material that would otherwise be going to landfill, which in turn helps to create circular systems.
Recycled PET affords additional environmental savings, minimising product wastage from breakages and freight emissions when compared to a heavier material such as glass. When compared to virgin PET material, recycled PET provides an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Paper & Cardboard
Where paper or cardboard are used in our retail product packaging, we select stock that is recyclable and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) or Program for the Endorsement of Forest. The FSC® and PEFC labels verify that materials used for these products have been responsibly sourced. To learn more, please visit fsc.org and pefc.org.