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Source: Credo Beauty

In this guide, you’ll find an overview of Credo Beauty’s sustainable packaging requirements, steps to align your packaging with Credo Beauty’s standards, and more.

For individual guidance on creating a packaging strategy to sell through Credo Beauty, reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help.

Table of Contents

• At a Glance: Credo Beauty’s Sustainability Goals
• What is Credo Beauty?
• Overview of Credo Beauty’s Sustainability Goals
• Credo Beauty’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines for Sellers
• Best Practices for Brands Working with Credo Beauty
• How to Submit Products to Credo Beauty
• Frequently Asked Questions About Credo Beauty's Packaging Guidelines
• How EcoEnclose Helps Brands Working With Credo Beauty
• Additional Resources

Credo Beauty is dedicated to advancing sustainability across every aspect of its business.

The company aims to reduce its environmental footprint by integrating sustainable practices into its operations, product offerings, and packaging. This includes setting ambitious goals for waste reduction, energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing.

Credo is committed to fostering a circular economy by encouraging recycling, using recyclable materials, and supporting brands that share these values.

EcoEnclose is well-positioned to help brands design packaging in ways that align with The Credo Clean Standard™. Reach out to us if you’d like support:

• Converting your brand’s paper-based packaging and thin film packaging to 100% recycled materials

• Converting your brand’s unrecyclable mult-material packaging to mono-material alternatives

• Replacing less readily recyclable materials such as polypropylene with more readily recyclable alternatives such as polyethylene or PET

• Eliminating coatings that can render packaging unrecyclable

Source: Credo Beauty

Credo Beauty is a leading retailer in the clean beauty industry and is known for pioneering the push for more ethical, sustainable beauty products. Founded in 2015, Credo Beauty has become a go-to destination for consumers who seek non-toxic, ethically produced, and sustainably sourced beauty and personal care products.

Credo focuses on transparency, safety, and environmental responsibility, ensuring all products meet rigorous clean criteria and ethical standards. They sell products online and through in-person retail locations, where they offer additional services.

Credo Beauty’s product assortment spans various categories, including skincare, makeup, haircare, body care, and wellness. 

The store features renowned and emerging brands that align with its strict clean beauty standards. 

Some of the brands Credo Beauty works with include: 

• Moon Juice
• Drunk Elephant
• RMS Beauty
• Innersense Organic Beauty

 The company accepts submissions from new brands and encourages diverse brands, such as BIPOC-owned and women-owned brands, to apply.

In addition to its product offerings, Credo Beauty provides a range of services designed to enhance the shopping experience and support customers in making informed choices:

Personalized Consultations: Credo offers one-on-one consultations with beauty experts who can help customers find products tailored to their specific needs and preferences. This service is available both in-store and virtually.

Beauty Services: Some Credo locations feature beauty bars where customers can experience product demonstrations and mini-services, such as skincare consultations and makeup touch-ups.

Clean Beauty Education: Credo provides educational resources through workshops, events, and online content to help consumers understand the benefits of clean beauty and how to make healthier choices in their beauty routines.

Credo Beauty is dedicated to creating a positive impact in the beauty industry by promoting products and brands that prioritize health, ethics, and environmental stewardship. Through its curated selection and comprehensive services, Credo empowers consumers to make conscious beauty choices that align with their values and support a more sustainable future.

Here are some of the core elements of Credo Beauty’s sustainability program.

Phase 1: Reduce and Recycle

The first phase of Credo Beauty’s Sustainable Packaging goals included reducing harmful packaging elements, such as those destined for the landfill.

This phase rolled out in June 2021 and prohibited:

• Single-use masks
• Single-use wipes
• Sample or single-serve product sachets

As part of Phase 1, Credo Beauty also asked brands to avoid using spatulas or other elements that are difficult to recycle. This set the foundation for their efforts to reduce waste and promote recycling and circularity.

Phase 2: Better Materials

Phase 2 of Credo Beauty’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines rolled out through June 2024. This phase focuses on improving the materials used in packaging. 

The core requirement of this phase is for brands to replace virgin petrochemical plastic with plastic containing 50% or more recycled content or move to a different material like glass or metal. 

A second requirement is that brands must include clear material labels on all plastic packaging, either through resin ID codes or the corresponding abbreviations: 

1 - PET (Polyethylene)

2 - HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

3 - PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

4 - LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

5 - PP (Polypropylene)

6 - PS (Polystyrene)

7 - Other (Mixed or other plastics)

When plastic is made from plastic, Credo Beauty prefers brands to use readily recyclable types: PET and HDPE, which are commonly accepted in curbside recycling programs; or PP, which is generally recyclable through thin-film drop-off programs. 

Since Credo Beauty prioritizes recyclability, mono-materials are preferred over mixed materials. The company has also prohibited harmful or non-recyclable materials such as PVC, PFAS, and BPA.

Phase 3: Smart Design

Phase 3 of the program is ongoing, focusing on improving packaging design and communicating eco-attributes.

A vital component of this phase is that brands must not imply that their packaging is compostable or recyclable if it is not, they must provide clear and accurate disposal instructions.  

This phase aims to reduce wishcycling and improper disposal to:

 Reduce contamination in recycling

• Prevent recyclable materials from being landfilled unnecessarily

• Keep “compostable” materials out of recycling systems

• Help customers feel empowered about proper disposal

As part of Phase 3, Credo Beauty has also reemphasized that compostability or compostable claims are not their preferred method.

Phase 4: Circular System

Phase 4 of Credo’s Packaging Guidelines is also ongoing and focuses on improving circularity on a systemic level.

One of Credo Beauty’s main visions is to create a more sustainable, conscious packaging system for beauty products.

They outline three big-picture ideas within this phase:

 1. Reducing the amount of packaging used is the first step

2. Refillable beauty product packaging is the future

3. Designing for zero landfill waste whenever possible should be the goal

Credo emphasizes the need to implement reusable and refillable product packaging. This means that primary product packaging is durable and optimized for reuse, such as a lotion bottle that customers can refill with new products.

When Regarding materials, Credo has not emphasized reusability at this time.

Click to enlarge. Credo's approach to sustainable packaging. Source: Credo Beauty

Credo Beauty continually reinforces that their Sustainable Packaging Guidelines are central to their brand mission and vision. 

As such, brands looking to start selling with Credo Beauty should look for every opportunity to meet their current guidelines and go above and beyond for true sustainability. 

Here are the best practices for all brands to consider when working with Credo Beauty.

Eliminate Single-Use Products and Product Elements

Getting rid of wasteful product elements was one of Credo Beauty’s first initiatives. When submitting products to Credo, ensure you have eliminated items like single-use masks and wipes, spatulas, and sample packets.

Remove Unnecessary Packaging

Credo Beauty states that reducing packaging use is the first step brands should take and invites brands to adopt a “less is more” approach to packaging design. 

Audit your packaging to identify areas where you may be creating waste.  

For example:

• Is your packaging right-sized, or are you using a larger box/pouch than necessary?

• Could you move to a thinner packaging style without compromising quality?

• Are there packaging elements that you could eliminate or streamline?

• Do you currently use excessive amounts of void fill or protective packaging when shipping?

By eliminating waste wherever possible, you can reduce your brand’s footprint and align more closely with Credo Beauty’s standards.

Prioritize Recycled Inputs, and Source Virgin Inputs Responsibly

Currently, Credo Beauty requires all plastic packaging to contain 50% or more recycled content. 

Credo also emphasizes the importance of using recycled content wherever possible and maximizing the amount of recycled content in all materials (i.e., glass or metal). 

By prioritizing recycled content in packaging, brands can: 

• Reduce carbon footprint

• Lower resource use

• Increase demand for recycled materials

• Strengthen recycling infrastructure

• Promote greater packaging circularity

When using virgin inputs, choose responsibly sourced or certified sources whenever possible.

Consider Innovative or Regenerative Inputs

Credo Beauty prioritizes sustainable sourcing and renewable feedstocks. 

Brands looking to stand out to Credo Beauty can seek opportunities to try regenerative inputs that are sustainably grown, harvested, and processed. 

Examples of innovative materials include:

• Black Algae Ink: This ink pigment uses minimal resources and sequesters carbon.

• Seaweed Film Windows: These windows do not require fossil fuels and do not leave harmful microplastics behind when screened out during recycling.

• Paper Alternatives: Tree-free inputs such as hemp or agricultural byproducts can help reduce the strain on forests.

If your brand wants to take a leap on a new packaging solution or invest in one of our proven eco-innovations, we’re here to help.

Add Clear Ingredient Information on Primary Packaging

A core requirement for all suppliers is to meet the Credo Clean Standard, including avoiding all items on The Dirty List.

Credo encourages all brands to include clear, transparent ingredient information on their packaging.

For example, brands are required to indicate if their fragrances come from natural or synthetic sources. In addition, Credo encourages brands to list all fragrance components that go above industry standards.

Look for Ways to Implement Reusable or Refillable Primary Product Packaging

Since many beauty, personal care, and cosmetic products are repeat purchases, Credo Beauty encourages brands to consider reusable and refillable packaging.

This allows customers to purchase their first product in durable packaging and then buy refills in minimal packaging. 

Examples of products well-suited for refillable packaging include:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Lotion
• Perfume
• Makeup
• Body scrubs

If you’re considering reusable product packaging, we’re here to help you navigate tradeoffs and find the most effective path forward.

Design for Low-Impact Shipping

Shipping materials can be a significant source of waste, and Credo Beauty encourages suppliers to ship products in low-impact packaging.

For example:

• Right-size boxes and mailers

• Downgauge to the thinnest effective material

• Choose recycled, recyclable void fill and protective packaging

• Match substrates so that packaging can be recycled together

• Avoid non-recyclable materials such as packing peanuts

Our suite of shipping materials includes everything you need to create a low-impact strategy, helping you reduce your footprint while ensuring your products arrive safe and sound.

Move From Mixed Materials to Mono-Materials

Mixed materials like multi-layered films are difficult or impossible to recycle.

Because of this, Credo Beauty encourages brands to use mono-materials in their primary and secondary packaging whenever possible. This promotes recyclability and greater circularity and makes it easier for customers to dispose of used packaging responsibly.

Optimize Packaging for Recyclability

Recyclability is a core tenet of Credo Beauty’s Sustainable Packaging requirements. 

You can optimize your packaging for recyclability by: 

• Choosing mono materials over mixed materials

• Avoiding small elements that are difficult to process

• Using readily recyclable materials like PET, HDPE, and aluminum

• Matching materials for easier recycling, such as using paper labels on boxes

Recyclability is one of our priorities, and you’ll find that most of our packaging is recyclable through curbside or thin film programs.

Include On-Package End-of-Life Instructions

Credo Beauty wants to empower consumers to dispose of their packaging responsibly and prevent contamination through recycling and composting programs. They are also working to eliminate misleading claims about recyclability or compostability.

Brands should ensure they include clear, accurate end-of-life instructions on their packaging.

One way to do this is by seeking How2Recycle Certification, which is a standardized and highly trusted label for end-of-life guidance.

Brands interested in selling through Credo Beauty should email submissions@credobeauty.com.

All submissions to Credo Beauty must include the following:

• Complete ingredient listings for every product

• Confirmation that all products comply with The Dirty List

• Relevant brand information (i.e., Black or POC owned, women-owned, etc.)

Brands prepared with conscious packaging that meets or exceeds Credo’s standards will be well-positioned for a smooth onboarding process.

Custom Retail Boxes

Custom Padded Mailers

Custom Bubble Mailers

Credo Beauty requires 50% or more recycled content when using plastic packaging as of June 2024. Readily recyclable plastics like #1 PET, #2 HDPE, and #5 PP are preferred.

All plastic packaging must be clearly labeled with either a resin ID code or the corresponding abbreviation so that consumers know how to dispose of the packaging after use properly.

Credo Beauty also encourages brands to consider moving to more sustainable materials such as glass or recyclable metals such as aluminum where appropriate.

For all materials, Credo Beauty promotes the use of as much recycled content as possible to:

• Reduce carbon footprint

• Lower resource use

• Increase demand for recycled materials

• Strengthen recycling infrastructure

• Promote greater packaging circularity

While Credo does not explicitly prohibit them, we recommend avoiding harmful or non-recyclable materials like PVC, polystyrene, and mixed plastics.

Currently, Credo Beauty does not require packaging to be recyclable. However, it is strongly preferred.

Credo Beauty does not prohibit packaging designed for compostability, but it is not the preferred choice. Since most consumers cannot access municipal composting and few packaging options are home-compostable, the brand prefers recyclable or reusable packaging over compostable packaging.

Credo Beauty does not require product packaging to be reusable or refillable. However, looking for opportunities to move to reusable or refillable packaging is part of the company’s ultimate vision for more sustainable beauty products. For example, shampoo bottles that can be refilled with new products repeatedly.

Credo Beauty currently prohibits using single-use masks and wipes, sample-sized packets, and spatulas (such as in moisturizers). The company encourages brands to remove or redesign any other elements that can only be landfilled.

Credo Beauty does not have requirements for packaging visuals or design. However, brands should consider the company’s target audience of conscious beauty consumers when creating packaging designs.

Credo Beauty’s Pact Recycling Program takes back many types of used beauty packaging, both primary and secondary. The program also includes a mail-in component for those who cannot access in-store drop-off locations.

Our EcoAllies are well-positioned to comply with Credo’s established standards and stay ahead of future sustainable packaging requirements that the company will roll out.

Our unique Sustainable Packaging Framework helps streamline decision-making, and our rigorous standards for all products ensure your packaging aligns with Credo’s long-term vision of circularity. We leverage our experience working with hundreds of brands, from the smallest startups to the most robust enterprise brands, to help you create a packaging strategy that works. 

Additionally, we’re here to support you in working to meet and exceed Credo Beauty’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines by: 

• Streamlining packaging to reduce material waste

• Right-sizing shipping packaging

• Choosing eco-friendlier protective packaging for your product line

• Designing for maximum recyclability

• Creating clear end-of-life guidelines to print on packaging

• Helping you secure How2Recycle® labeling

• Moving from mixed materials to mono-materials

• Maximizing recycled content

• Identifying areas to implement reusable or refillable models

• Designing packaging that stands out in eCommerce and retail settings

• And more!

To get started, you can request free samples, explore our extensive resource library, or get in touch for a free consultation.

• Credo Beauty Sustainable Landing Page
• The Credo Clean Standard
• Credo Dirty List
• Sustainable Packaging Content Section
• Credo Beauty Sustainable Packaging Champions
• Pact Recycling Hub

EcoEnclose is the leading sustainable packaging company that provides eco-packaging solutions to the world’s most forward-thinking brands.

We develop diverse, sustainable packaging solutions that meet our rigorous research-based standards and customers’ goals. We drive innovative packaging materials to market and consistently improve the circularity of existing solutions.