Honorable Mention

Solution

Materials play the biggest part. Instead of choosing injection molded plastic like all cosmetics brands nowadays, re: proposes to return to natural and reusable materials: wood and metal.

There are recycling problems with wood as it cannot be recycled like steel, and thus we reuse every stage of the wood throughout the multiple life cycles of this product line.

In this new, revolutionary system, re: is able to streamline the production so it creates no waste, a cradle to cradle solution.

Project Description

‘re:’, a cosmetic line that focuses on the naturality, longevity, and sustainability of our products by making them refillable, reusable and recyclable.

The material plays a vital role. We make sure the ingredients we use for the products contain no heavy metal, all from food source. We make sure our package materials are either recycled or repurposed.

For that to come true, there’s a whole system designed from the point of purchase, to rewards program for trading in empty containers.

To stay with the current trend, the design language of this cosmetic line looks at the rising male market for cosmetics. Instead of the previous feminine looking cosmetic products, re: strives to bring neutrality and confidence to users of the non-binary future.

Overview of the Solution

The cosmetics industry is known to be one of the most profitable market, which is probably the reason why it’s so reluctant to change. However, according to Euromonitor, we’re currently sending 120 billion units of cosmetics packaging to the landfill annually, and that is expected to grow to 12 billion tonnes of plastics in the landfill by 2050, which is the equivalent of 35,000 empire state buildings.

The change is long overdue.

I see it as an alluring opportunity for me. After doing some research, I found that males’ appreciation towards makeup has grown over the past years, We can see leading fashion brands like Tom Ford and Chanel have already put their male cosmetics products into the market.

Moreover, the ingredients currently used in cosmetic products include a high percentage of heavy metals, and thus the whole process of producing makeup is really no different from oil paint. It’s terrifying to think about how much poisonous compounds we’re taking in when we apply those onto our skin.

From the research, I found some design opportunities: – ingredients used in the products – materials used for the packaging – non-binary market for cosmetic and skin care products

A lot of research is done on materials afterwards to determine which materials would have a gender-neutral sensorial aspect, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly as well.

I imagine this line of products to change the way people consume, at least for cosmetic and skin care products. People have been paying more and more attention to animal testing and all, but of same importance is to change their own mindset about the currently single-use cosmetic products. That’s why re: products are designed to be refillable, reusable, and repurpose rather than recycle, so to keep the use of each material to its maximum.

I believe sustainability can only be achieved when all parties gain profit from it. With my design of this line of products and the system that lies beneath it, it benefits the consumers as they can possess products that look good and better over time; it benefits the company as they can sell it for a higher price for the premium and revolutionary design, also there’s huge profit in selling refills; and it benefits the society and environment in general as it intends to reshape the way how people consume, going back to purchasing products from companies that are responsible and proud of what they do.

This is just the first step of a revolution.