Recycling your cosmetic packaging is a simple way to reduce your environmental impact while enhancing your beauty routine. At HYLÉRIA, our mission is to preserve your beauty, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the beauty of our natural heritage . Our refillable bottles and our Cosmos Organic certified natural formulas are part of this commitment. This guide explains how to sort and recycle your cosmetic packaging in accordance with French and European regulations, while optimizing your beauty routine with techniques like massage, for a minimalist and sustainable approach.
Regulations in France and Europe: what you need to know
In France, the anti-waste law for a circular economy (AGEC) imposes strict measures to reduce cosmetic packaging waste. By 2040, single-use plastic packaging will be eliminated, with an interim target of 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. Since 2022, the Triman logo and clear sorting instructions must appear on every package, and all packaging, recyclable or not, goes in the yellow bin to simplify sorting. Mineral oils, which hinder recycling, are prohibited on packaging.
In Europe, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to make all packaging recyclable by 2030, with a 5% reduction in waste by 2030 and 15% by 2040. Plastic packaging must contain 30% recycled content by 2030 (50% by 2040 for PET). PFAS, or "perennial pollutants," will be banned from food contact packaging from 2026, a measure that could be extended to cosmetics. Reuse systems, such as refillable bottles, are encouraged.
These regulations encourage brands to adopt sustainable solutions. For HYLÉRIA, this translates into our commitment to 100% natural skincare, preserved in refillable bottles crafted by Waltersperger artisans, Living Heritage craftsmen.
How to sort your cosmetic packaging
Sorting your cosmetic packaging correctly ensures its recycling and supports the circular economy. Here is a practical guide by packaging type:
Plastic packaging (bottles, tubes, pumps)
- What to do? Empty any remaining product (use a spatula for creams). Do not rinse unless sticky residue persists. Unscrew the caps or pumps and place all parts in the yellow recycling bin . Simplified recycling guidelines (AGEC law) allow everything to be put together, even complex pumps.
- Examples : Cream tubes, serum bottles, roll-on deodorants.
- Tip : Check for the Triman logo or instructions on the packaging. If the product contains essential oils, check locally, as some recycling centers require specific sorting.
Glass packaging (bottles, jars)
- What to do? Place glass bottles and jars in the glass recycling bin , without caps or pumps (these go in the yellow bin). There's no need to remove the labels.
- Examples : Bottles of oil, jars of face mask.
- Please note : HYLÉRIA bottles are refillable. Although they are fully recyclable, our bottles are precious: handmade, they are unique, numbered pieces to be treasured.
Metal packaging (aerosols, lids)
- What to do? Place empty aerosols and metal lids in the yellow recycling bin . Make sure the aerosol is empty for safety reasons.
- Examples : Jar lids, hairspray aerosols.
- Note : Aerosols containing hazardous gases (symbol “danger”) must be disposed of at a waste disposal center.
Cardboard packaging (cases, boxes)
- What to do? Unfold the sleeves and place them in the yellow bin . Remove any plastic film or non-recyclable insert (grey bin).
- Examples : Cream boxes, perfume cases.
Special cases
- Nail polish : Take it to a waste disposal center , as the solvents require specific treatment.
- Plastic cotton swabs : Banned since 2020, they should be disposed of at a waste disposal center if still in stock. Opt for wooden or paper versions instead.
- Samples : Place them in the yellow bin, but the Climate and Resilience law limits their unsolicited distribution to reduce waste.
Tip : If in doubt, consult the Citeo Recycling Guide app or local guidelines, as rules vary from one municipality to another.
The case of Hyléria packaging: refilling and recycling
HYLÉRIA is committed to sustainable beauty. Our refillable cases, crafted piece by piece by the Waltersperger workshop, embody the history of a century-old expertise. Should you ever need to dispose of them, here's how to manage our packaging:
- Reuse : Our bottles are designed to be refilled, reducing waste by 80% compared to single-use packaging. Purchase a refill on our website and keep your original bottle.
- Recycling : If the bottle is no longer usable, place it in the glass recycling bin (without the refill or lid, which go in the yellow bin). FSC-certified paper boxes and cartons go in the yellow bin.
- Commitment : Our 100% natural formulas are Cosmos Organic certified, and our packaging complies with AGEC law and PPWR, without PFAS or mineral oils.
Shorter and more efficient routines: optimize your ritual for greater eco-responsibility!
Every step counts when it comes to maximizing effectiveness while minimizing impact. Facial massage , performed with L'Art du Portrait or La Manière Douce , optimizes the absorption of active ingredients (polyphenols, ceramides, antioxidants, vitamins) and reduces the need for additional purchases. This ritual, compatible with accessories like the gua sha, fingers, or high-tech tools, tones, firms, and reduces puffiness, all while aligning with a sustainable approach. Discover our massage techniques in our article "How to Integrate Facial Massage into Your Beauty Routine."
Adopt an eco-friendly routine with Hyléria
Recycling your cosmetic packaging is a step towards more responsible beauty. By following the sorting instructions (yellow bin, glass container, recycling center) and choosing HYLÉRIA refillable bottles, you contribute to the circular economy and support local expertise while enhancing your skin. Incorporate facial massage into your routine to optimize the benefits of the Radiance Duo , in a skin-mind-centered approach. Read our article "The 5 Essential Natural Ingredients for Radiant Skin" to delve deeper into your natural approach.