A large part of our decision making processes are about the lifecycle of our products. We think about biodegradable packaging and try to find ways of making makeup products that you can feel good about, but also products that don’t undermine our environmental commitments.
What’s the difference between compostable and biodegradable?
The literal definition of compostable and biodegradable are the ability to compost and the ability to biodegrade. Ultimately, both are helping products return to the natural environment at the end of use. This is where the meaning of these words start to take a turn, and while similar, they are not quite the same.
When compostable materials break down, they break down completely. They are organic and natural materials that can be used again.
Biodegradable materials break down into infinitely smaller pieces and can take decades, or even longer for the process to complete.
While our products include biodegradable makeup and biodegradable packaging, we go a step further to ensure that our products are also compostable.
Our job is to make sure that the products we use leave as little behind as possible or can be broken down to be used again. Our and LipColour Pencils contain packaging that is made from a corn derived plastic alternative that is industrially compostable.
Our makeup brushes and palettes all contain water-treated bamboo, a renewable resource that is compostable at the end of its use.
Let’s break these down a bit more
Bi·o·de·grad·a·ble /
This is having the ability to be broken down into smaller pieces. While almost everything will break down eventually, the process can take a really long time and we may be left with non organic materials that we do not want to put back into our environment.
Com·post·a·ble /
On the other hand, compostable products are broken down and used in compost, resulting in a richly nourishing soil additive that can be used again and again. It’s part of completing the process of returning something back to the earth from where it came - and then the cycle starts all over again.
Where does Elate fit in?
Our products are packaged with bamboo, seed paper and industrially compostable materials. This is because we intend for them to be returned to the environment through composting as part of our sustainability commitments.
We choose bamboo because it is a self-regenerating natural resource. It generates new shoots every year and continues to produce shoots after they are harvested. It is treated with water so that it does not leave harmful ingredients behind when composted.
We use seed paper to package our refillable products because It comes from recycled materials and goes right back into the environment.
We invite you to take a look at your most well loved product, and discover what is left at the end of its use.
