At Credo, we’re committed to leading the clean beauty industry with intention and integrity—holding both our formulas and packaging to the same high standards set by The Credo Clean StandardTM. Packaging is a crucial part of the conversation around sustainability and safety, and we take advice and guidance from NGOs, Pact (the non-profit landfill diversion company we co-founded), and industry experts seriously as we work to raise the bar.
The Story Behind Our Body Product Packaging
For Credo’s body product packaging, we opted for 100% recycled PET plastic paired with a mono-material pump. Here’s why this matters: PET is one of the most widely recycled plastics, and by choosing a recycled material, we’re reducing our reliance on virgin plastic and supporting circular systems that keep materials in use.
The monomaterial pump is a significant step forward in sustainable packaging design. Traditional pumps usually combine multiple materials, like metal springs and various types of plastics, making them difficult—or impossible—to recycle. A monomaterial pump, on the other hand, is made entirely from a single type of plastic (in this case, PET). While recycling systems vary, choosing a monomaterial design gives it the best possible chance to be recycled (and can be recycled through Pact!).
By streamlining the pump design to be monomaterial, we’re improving the product’s overall recyclability and reducing waste. This approach supports a circular economy by ensuring that all parts of the packaging have the potential to be processed and repurposed through existing recycling systems.
We know there’s skepticism around plastic, and it’s absolutely valid. That’s why we focus on using PET—it’s approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA for food and beverage use. It’s also free from BPA and phthalates, chemicals linked to endocrine disruption.
Why Not Glass?
When designing this product line, we explored using glass, as we do for our Credo face products. Glass is often seen as the gold standard for sustainable packaging, and for good reason—it’s considered infinitely recyclable. However, for body products, glass presented two key challenges. First, it posed a safety risk for customers who keep these products in the shower, where breakage could cause injuries. Second, glass is heavy, which increases the shipping weight and, in turn, the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
We carefully weighed these factors and chose materials that better suit this category. By using 100% recycled PET plastic and a monomaterial pump, we prioritized safety, recyclability, and reduced environmental impact during shipping—striking a balance between sustainability and practicality.
What’s Next?
We’re excited to keep pushing the boundaries of sustainable packaging. We’re also listening to you—our customers—because your feedback is a powerful force for change. We’d love to hear your thoughts – share them with us here.
We’re also investing in the future of sustainable packaging through innovations like New Matter, a plastic resin material Credo co-developed with Pact – because we know the future of packaging needs smarter solutions. Designed as a long-term solution, New Matter is made from beauty packaging waste that can be recycled through existing facilities. Our Credo Face products already use this material – and soon even more Credo products – and other brands – will too. It’s just one of the ways we’re working to keep beauty packaging out of landfills.
Together, we can push for better systems that reduce waste and improve recyclability while keeping clean beauty at the forefront of innovation. We’re excited to continue raising the bar and can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.
