Milk Makeup's Sustainability Commitments

Since launching Milk Makeup in 2016, we’ve created packaging that’s innovative, easy to use, and pairs perfectly with our formulas. We love introducing you to each launch, but we also want to make sure we’re doing more to reduce overall impact on the environment. That's where our social responsibility and sustainability commitments come in.

Over the last year, we’ve been working on ways to make our packaging more sustainable, starting with new products and continuing on to shipping and partnerships. We always want to be transparent with you throughout this journey, so here’s a detailed overview of our current sustainability steps.

As always, hit us up at hello@milkmakeup.com if you have any Qs.

MORE SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING + OUTER PACKAGING

Starting January 2021, we redesigned our e-commerce shipping system and started transporting your products in our new, sustainable shipping box and bag. Our box is printed with petroleum-free plant-based ink and is made in the USA. The inner bag is also made in the USA from 100% post-consumer waste. Both are 100% recyclable once you remove the adhesive strip on the box.

Here’s what else we’re doing to reduce waste on secondary product packaging and labels.

- Removed leaflets from all of our products.
- If a product doesn’t need outer packaging, we’ll use a back label with petroleum-free inks instead to cut down on unnecessary packaging. We’re replacing labels with paper post-consumer waste labels wherever possible.
- Where outer packaging is needed, we’re transitioning to paperboard made from 100% post-consumer waste fibers that are Forest Stewardship Council certified. Our secondary packaging uses vegetable oil inks wherever possible. 

MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PACKAGING + REFILLS

We’re working to use less plastic, offer more refills, and use more post-consumer resin and recyclable materials on packaging and in-store merchandising. Here’s our 2021 progress check:

- In 2020, we launched a new product display system that uses 63% less plastic on average than our previous display. We’re working with our vendor to ship in-store displays to our retail partners in post-consumer waste boxes.
- We’re introducing refillable makeup where possible. In 2021, we relaunched our iconic Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 with refillable cartridges, as well as our Sunshine Under Eye Tint + Brighten with refillable cartridges, reducing plastic by up to 66% and 60% respectively when you purchase a refill.
- We’re shifting from using virgin plastic in primary packaging to incorporating post-consumer resin where possible for our new launches. You can see this in our new Electric Glossy Lip Plumper tube and cap, which are made with 50% post-consumer resin. We’re working hard to update our existing products as well.
- We’re exploring using mono plastic to make recycling easier. This means using one type of plastic throughout the product, allowing it to be recycled together without disassembling the product.

HOW TO RECYCLE MILK MAKEUP WITH OUR PARTNERS

HOW2RECYCLE X MILKMAKEUP.COM

In the US and Canada, we’ve partnered with How2Recycle, a labeling system that helps communicate clear recycling instructions. Soon, you’ll start seeing their labels on our products and on our product pages. These labels will guide you through which of our products and packaging are recyclable and, if necessary, how to prep them for recycling. How2Recycle’s labeling system is also a great resource for clarifying what not to recycle, which can mitigate contamination in recycling streams.

Because a lot of recycling protocols differ based on where you’re located, these labels will also flag what to look out for when asking programs in your area and also which specific parts of the components are recyclable where you are. Head to this link to search your zip code and learn more about your local rules and regulations. We’re here to help make it as easy for you as possible.

g2 revolution X MILKMAKEUP.COM

We’ve partnered with g2 revolution, a specialty recycling solutions program that helps figure out ways to responsibly dispose of hard-to-recycle excess products and components. This partnership ensures that we’re keeping as many materials out of landfills as possible, from our warehouses to post-consumer efforts. Head to this link to find out more about their programs.

These are first steps, and we’re committed to continuing making strides in sustainability through 2021 and beyond. Throughout this process we want to be transparent and are here if you have any questions along the way.