Design Life-Cycle

Aditi, Inamdar

Katelyn Gunawan and Adeba Mushir

DES 040A

Professor Cogdell

Life Cycle of the Shampoo Liquid and the Bottle it is in: Raw Materials

Shampoo is a very important part of people’s routines. They “...are the most commonly used means of managing hair and scalp conditions” (Trüeb 356). The shampoo liquid as well its bottle contain raw materials that are pivotal to its life cycle. The acquisition of raw materials, manufacturing and processing, and the distribution and transportation are all important to the life cycle of this particular product. In addition to the steps with raw materials taken to create the product, it is important to consider how these materials are used by the consumer, how the product can be re-used and recycled, as well as how any materials wasted can be managed so that they are not as toxic to the surrounding environments.

There are many raw materials needed to create the shampoo liquid itself. Surfactants are key raw materials as they help in keeping the hair clean (Trüeb). In general, surfactants can be produced when feedstocks, which go through processes that use chemicals and use materials like oils and gas for its production, lead to synthetic alcohols being made. These chemicals then go through processes, like alkylation, which result in the making of surfactants (“How Surfactants are Made”). Anionic surfactants are an example of surfactants which have a “...negatively-charged hydrophilic polar group” (Trüeb 357). An example of these are soaps that are natural and originate from animals. However, “Because soap is sensitive to hard water, it leaves insoluble salts on the hair, forming a film which causes a dull look. Soap's alkaline pH can make it irritating to the skin and mucous membranes” (Trüeb 357). Therefore, these soaps were substituted with surfactants that are not natural, or synthetic. Some examples of anionic surfactants include alkyl ether sulfates and sulfated fatty alcohols. Sodium alkyl ether sulfates are surfactants that are able to be utilized by itself in the liquid of shampoo and therefore, are quite significant (Trüeb). Additionally, amphoteric surfactants are another type of surfactants which  “...contain both negatively and positively charged hydrophilic polar groups” (Trüeb 358). Also, anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants are oftentimes used together. Some examples of amphoteric surfactants include sulfonate betaine and amphoteric acetates or diacetates. Specifically, amphoteric acetates or diacetates allow for the product to be better handled by the body. The third type of surfactants are nonionic surfactants (Trüeb). These “...do not possess a charged polar group and are hence compatible with all other surfactants” (Trüeb 358). Even though they do not lather well, they still cleanse well. Some examples are alkyl polyglucosides and sorbitan ether esters (Trüeb). Lastly, cationic surfactants can be described as “…quaternary ammonium compounds which are characterized by a positively-charged hydrophilic polar group” (Trüeb 358). They have multiple positive contributions towards the health of the hair however, unlike nonionic surfactants, they are not good at cleansing. Furthermore, unlike amphoteric surfactants that are often used with anionic surfactants, this type of surfactant can not be used with anionic surfactants. In addition to surfactants, additives are another material in shampoo that allow the skin and hair to be better taken care of. Some examples include moisturizers and humectants. Examples of moisturizers include fatty acid esters and oils that are natural. Some humectant examples are lactate and glycerin (Trüeb). These materials are made and formed in different ways, and an example is how glycerin is made with soybeans, sugar beets, or maize (Kröhnert and Stucki). Other examples of additives include preservatives that help prevent the formation of bacteria and fragrance oils. Shampoo also contains conditioning agents. These allow for the health of baby hairs and already grown hair to be maintainable. Some examples of these include silicones and wax (Trüeb). Silicones, for instance, are generally created using silicon, methyl chloride, and water (“Silicones”). Active ingredients, another component in shampoo, are mainly used in solving certain hair issues like dandruff. Examples of these include ketoconazole and piroctone olamine that are used with ingredients that come from plants, for example (Trüeb). Water is also an important raw material used in shampoo (Kröhnert and Stucki). In addition to the many materials used within the shampoo liquid itself, the bottle also contains many different materials.

In general, the bottle the shampoo is in contains different types of plastics (Da Silva et al.). Fossil fuels are usually where these plastic resins originate from (“What are Biodegradable Resins?”). An example of an important type of plastic in shampoo bottles is Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET, which is quite important because, for instance, it is flexible and will not break if dropped (Da Silva et al.). As part of its chemical formula, it is composed of hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, as well as a little bit of ash (Sharifian and Asasian-Kolur). It comes from crude oil, which can be received through fracking, that is then divided into different parts including terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. Through polymerization, PET is created (“What Exactly is PET Plastic?”). High-Density Polyethylene, or HDPE, and Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, are other commonly used resins. Another resin called Polypropylene, or PP, is usually used for the bottle caps and is made up of materials such as vegetable oils (Da Silva et al.). In addition to the materials the product is composed of, it is important to consider the manufacturing processes and its formulation.

The manufacturing and processing of these raw materials, as well as the formulation, are all important to the creation of the product. Through petro-chemical processes, surfactants, a very important component of shampoos, are made. In general, manufacturing and production processes involve the use of fossil fuels (Kröhnert and Stucki). In terms of the manufacturing process of the bottle the shampoo liquid is in, the resins go through what is known as a blowing process. This process involves air, an extruder, a mold, a nozzle, a tunnel, and a knife (Da Silva et al.). Oftentimes people include different colored pigments to adjust the color of the bottle (Da Silva et al.). Generally, it was more difficult to find research regarding what raw materials extruders require, however, for the most part, it seems like it at least might need oil or water (Abeykoon et al.). After these manufacturing processes, the distribution and transportation of the product are to be considered next.

In general, the distribution and transportation of the product are important because this is how they are brought to the consumers for the most part. In general, transportation requires fossil fuels, such as gasoline, and therefore, to transport raw materials, this would be the main source (Neves and Marques). Furthermore, another common material used in terms of distribution and packaging of the shampoo is paper since it is mainly used for any labels on the shampoo bottle as well as the containers they are in when they are distributed (Da Silva et al.). In general, paper is usually produced and originates from cellulose fibers, for example from different types of trees, and water (Casey). Once this product is received by the consumers, they use it, and then there are aspects to consider regarding what to do next with the product.

When the consumers have the shampoo, the use, re-use, and maintenance of the product are significant as well. When the product is being used, oil or natural gas are needed for the hot water (Kröhnert and Stucki). Furthermore, when recycled, propylene glycol and catalysts, for example, are used to recycle PET chemically through the process of pyrolysis where PET is depolymerized (Shirazimoghaddam et al.). Also, there are a variety of replacements for materials that might reduce any negative impacts on the environment. The use of plastic as a main material in the shampoo’s bottle can lead to a significant amount of waste and cause many problems. Since this is used within many areas and products, there is a significant amount of it, leading to many being in landfills. These landfills actually can have negative impacts due to, for instance, its part in pollution (Idumah and Nwuzor). In terms of waste management, it seems like the plastics that gather in places like landfills go through the decomposition process for many, many years (Agency). Actually, shampoo bottles take up a significant portion of what is being wasted (Vazquez et al.). Therefore, it is important to find solutions to reduce this waste and use materials that can replace these harmful materials in shampoo bottles. For instance, biodegradable resin could be a solution (Okada). These resins are usually made up of sugars, oils that are organic, as well as thermoplastics which come from starches (“What are Biodegradable Resins?”). However, this type of resin might not be much better because it still requires a significant amount of energy and materials when it is made, and it might not be as functional since it does not have great strength for storage. On the other hand, producing bottles with less material and flexibility can have less negative environmental impacts (Okada). Since surfactants can negatively impact the environment because of its nature, many are coming up with ways to replace surfactants with ones that are “bio-based”. To create these types of surfactants, an example of a natural material that might be utilized is palm oil. In addition, similar natural materials might be used for the bottle the shampoo is in. A shift towards using these materials can also lead to less fossil fuel utilization. However, there is a negative aspect to this since using these natural materials can lead to much more use of land and even have an influence on global warming. Another solution could be to utilize glass instead of plastic to make the bottles for the shampoo can be beneficial (Kröhnert and Stucki). Glass is generally made up of limestone, soda ash, as well as sand (“What is Glass?”). However, glass still uses a significant amount of energy and therefore, can still be harmful to the environment. Unlike the plastic bottles, glass bottles can be reused more and therefore, this could ultimately lead to less plastic waste (Kröhnert and Stucki). 

In general, there seems to be a lot of raw materials that go into the shampoo as well as the bottle. There are also many materials used within the manufacturing, production, and distribution phases of the product. In order to minimize the negative impacts that come from the use of materials required for this product, there are many solutions that can be implemented. However, it is important to remember that even natural substitutions can cause harm to the environment because of the many natural resources it might need (Kröhnert and Stucki). Therefore, the life cycle of products can reveal many aspects regarding the product and, for example, allow one to understand the impacts of these materials to the environment. Taking small steps towards being more energy efficient and utilizing less harmful materials can lead to better and more positive impacts in the future.

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Adeba Mushir 

Professor Cogdell

Design 040 

5 June 2024

Life of Cycle Shampoo (Energy)

The journey of a bottle of shampoo, from its inception in a manufacturing plant to its final disposal, is marked by considerable energy consumption, predominantly sourced from non-renewable resources. This extensive process contributes significantly to environmental degradation, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable interventions. By meticulously examining each stage of the shampoo life cycle—encompassing production, packaging, transportation, consumer usage, and disposal—opportunities to curtail energy usage and adopt greener practices can be identified. Such measures are pivotal in reducing the carbon footprint of shampoo products, paving the way for a more sustainable future in personal care industries. The life cycle of shampoo, from manufacturing to disposal, requires significant energy consumption, mainly from non-renewable sources, resulting in substantial environmental impact. By researching each stage of production, packing, transportation, consumer use and disposal, we can spot opportunities to reduce energy use and shift towards sustainable practices, eventually decreasing the carbon footprint of shampoo products. 

The manufacturing stage of shampoo production has significant environmental implications, starting with the raw materials. Many shampoo ingredients, such as surfactants and preservatives, are derived from petroleum-based sources, contributing to environmental degradation through extraction processes and chemical synthesis. These activities often result in habitat destruction and pollution. Additionally, the energy consumption in production facilities is considerable, involving processes like heating, mixing, and chemical reactions that require substantial amounts of energy, often sourced from fossil fuels. This intensive energy use leads to high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Furthermore, the manufacturing process generates various forms of waste, including chemical by-products and packaging materials, which can lead to soil and water contamination if not properly managed. Companies like L’Oréal are attempting to mitigate these impacts by investing in renewable energy sources for their production facilities and developing more sustainable raw materials. By addressing these key areas, the shampoo industry can reduce its environmental footprint and move towards more sustainable manufacturing practices.

Packaging plays a crucial role in the environmental impact of shampoo products, starting with the types of materials used. Common packaging materials like plastic bottles, often made from PET or HDPE, pose significant sustainability challenges due to their reliance on non-renewable resources and their persistence in the environment. The production and processing of these materials require substantial energy inputs, contributing to carbon emissions and resource depletion. Moreover, the disposal of plastic packaging contributes to waste accumulation in landfills and oceans, where they persist for centuries and harm wildlife. To address these issues, brands like Unilever are exploring alternatives such as using recycled plastics and biodegradable materials for their shampoo packaging. Additionally, initiatives promoting refillable or reusable packaging models, as seen with brands like Loop and their durable containers, aim to minimize packaging waste and energy consumption over the product life cycle. By advancing sustainable packaging practices, the shampoo industry can significantly reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to a more circular economy.

Transportation logistics are a critical component of the shampoo product lifecycle, impacting both energy consumption and environmental sustainability. The journey of raw materials to manufacturing facilities and finished products to consumer markets involves significant energy expenditure, primarily from fossil fuel-powered vehicles such as trucks, ships, and planes. These transportation methods contribute substantially to the product's carbon footprint through emissions of greenhouse gases. Companies are increasingly focusing on optimizing their logistics to reduce energy consumption and emissions. Strategies include consolidating shipments to minimize the number of trips, utilizing more fuel-efficient vehicles, and exploring alternative transportation modes such as rail and electric vehicles where feasible. By improving efficiency and adopting sustainable transportation practices, the shampoo industry can mitigate its environmental impact, lower its carbon footprint, and contribute to global efforts towards a greener economy.

Consumer use represents a significant stage in the shampoo life cycle where energy consumption can be influenced through various factors. Typical usage patterns include the energy expended in heating water for washing hair, which can vary depending on individual habits and preferences. Shampoo efficiency also plays a crucial role, with concentrated formulas generally requiring less product per use, thereby reducing overall energy use in production, packaging, and transportation. Educating consumers about these differences and promoting energy-saving practices, such as using cooler water or reducing shower time, can further minimize environmental impact. Brands like Aveda and Herbal Essences have implemented educational campaigns to raise awareness about sustainable hair care practices and the benefits of using eco-friendly products. By empowering consumers with knowledge and encouraging responsible product use, the shampoo industry can contribute to significant reductions in energy consumption and environmental impact across its lifecycle.

The disposal stage of shampoo products is critical in determining their environmental impact and sustainability. Shampoo bottles and residues often end up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to environmental degradation through pollution and resource depletion. Improper disposal can lead to plastic waste accumulation in land and water bodies, posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems. Enhancing waste management practices is essential to mitigate these impacts. Increasing recycling rates for shampoo bottles and developing reusable packaging options are key strategies to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. Companies like Garnier and The Body Shop have launched initiatives to encourage recycling by partnering with organizations like TerraCycle, making it easier for consumers to recycle their used packaging. Additionally, exploring biodegradable packaging materials and refillable container programs, as exemplified by brands like Lush and Plaine Products, can further minimize the environmental footprint of shampoo products at the disposal stage. By improving waste management practices and promoting sustainable disposal options, the shampoo industry can play a pivotal role in achieving environmental sustainability goals.

There are numerous opportunities within the shampoo industry to significantly reduce energy consumption and enhance sustainability across various stages of production and consumption. Shifting towards sustainable ingredients, such as renewable plant-based alternatives for surfactants and preservatives, can decrease the energy intensity of raw material acquisition and processing. Implementing energy-saving technologies in manufacturing, such as efficient heating systems and optimized production processes, can further reduce energy use during shampoo production. Additionally, developing and adopting eco-friendly packaging alternatives, such as recyclable materials and minimalist designs, can lower energy requirements in packaging production and disposal. Exploring greener transportation options, such as electric vehicles and optimized logistics, can mitigate energy consumption and emissions during product distribution. Lastly, educating consumers about sustainable hair care practices, including product efficiency and proper disposal methods, can foster more conscious consumption habits and reduce overall energy use in the shampoo lifecycle. By embracing these opportunities, the shampoo industry can make significant strides towards reducing its environmental footprint and promoting a more sustainable future.

The shift towards sustainable practices in the shampoo industry is gaining momentum through a combination of industry initiatives, government policies, and advancements in research and development. Leading companies in the industry, such as Unilever with its Sustainable Living Plan and Procter & Gamble's commitments to reduce environmental impact, are setting benchmarks for sustainability. These initiatives include reducing carbon emissions, promoting responsible sourcing of raw materials, and implementing circular economy principles in packaging and product design. Government policies and regulations play a crucial role in incentivizing and mandating green practices, such as regulations on plastic waste reduction and incentives for renewable energy adoption. Additionally, ongoing research and development in green chemistry are driving innovations in sustainable ingredients and manufacturing processes, aiming to minimize environmental impact from production to disposal. By collaborating across these fronts, the shampoo industry is poised to achieve significant strides towards sustainability, ensuring a more eco-friendly future for personal care products.

In conclusion, the life cycle analysis of shampoo highlights its substantial environmental impact, primarily driven by energy-intensive processes and non-renewable resource consumption across production, packaging, transportation, consumer use, and disposal stages. Key solutions to mitigate these impacts include transitioning to renewable or less energy-intensive raw materials, adopting energy-efficient manufacturing technologies, optimizing packaging designs for recyclability, enhancing transportation logistics, promoting sustainable consumer behaviors, and improving waste management practices. It is crucial for industry leaders, consumers, and policymakers to collaborate closely in implementing these strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of shampoo products. By embracing sustainable practices, we can envision a future where personal care products contribute positively to environmental sustainability, fostering a healthier planet for current and future generations alike.

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Katelyn Gunawan

Adeba Mushir, Aditi Inamdar

DES 40A

Christina Cogdell

June 4, 2024

A Shampoo Product’s Waste and Emissions

As much as shampoo cleanses the hair, its waste and emissions pollutes the environment around us. Shampoo is a universal hair cleaning product that is being increasingly used and produced in our modern age. As shampoo has become a widely used staple household item due its universality, its demand and thus production is ever growing. However, it is easy for consumers to forget how much waste that a simple, day-to-day household item like shampoo is creating from both its usage, disposal and manufacturing process. Throughout the life cycle of shampoo, the product’s materials and ingredients create waste during the manufacturing process, the transportation, and the disposal of the shampoo itself. The byproduct waste and toxic waste from the bottle’s plastic and the liquid’s chemicals accumulate and pollute the environment around us. It is crucial for us consumers to acknowledge and gain awareness on the impact of shampoo on the environment as its pollutants contribute to marine pollution, land pollution, and atmospheric pollution.

Before carelessly squeezing out bountiful amounts of liquid shampoo to freshen up your hair as an overlooked part of your daily routine, it is significant to think about the amount of liquid shampoo waste that goes down the drain in the shower and how it can affect life around all of its consumers. Various chemicals make up the liquid of shampoo, such as surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate that play a role in its foaming and cleansing mechanisms (Thompson, Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics Vol. 224 No. 3) as well as other ingredients like conditioning agents, sulfates, fragrances like VOC, preservatives, Tetrasodium EDTA, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, colorants like PEG-5, etc (Fix the World). When washing the shampoo out of your hair and letting it run down the drain with the water, all of these chemicals end up in the sewage system. Fostering an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mindset, many often do not contemplate where liquid waste goes after it reaches the sewage system as they believe it to be a simple end point for all liquid waste. However, sewer water systems are not infinite and must inevitably be disposed of in local bodies of water. Though sewage systems usually treat their dirty water, it is only partially treated and can still end up contaminating the environments that they end up in. In addition, sewage treatment is an expensive process, which causes many places to often dump sewage without it being treated, increasing pollution especially in less developed communities. 

Sewage pollution can enter bodies of waters like lakes, rivers and oceans, which can not only harm the cleanliness of communities but also the stability of ecosystems. Liquid waste alters waters’ chemical composition contaminates clean waters, thus disrupting living organisms harming aquatic ecosystems. The accumulation of materials in liquid shampoo like synthetic surfactants have become increasingly dangerous to aquatic organisms like fish as surfactants are known to cause gill damage and loss of sight due to its ability to penetrate cell membranes (Arora, Journal of Applied Microbiology Vol. 133 Issue 3). Another display of liquid shampoo’s waste becoming hazardous to the environment is its discharge of a cleaning agent called sulfate into surface waters. Sulfate acidifies water, contributing to acid rain/fog that can damage ecosystems by inhibiting plant fertility and photosynthesis as well as an increase in health risks among those with asthmatics and chronic heart or lung diseases (California Air Resources Board). More sewage waste also contributes to atmospheric pollution as the chemicals contaminate the air and cause foul smells. Sewage systems overflow, leak, and are sometimes even disposed of in soil, which can lead to serious runoff issues. Shampoo liquid waste runoff can affect not only local waterways but also non-aquatic environments as the runoff often seeps into the ground, contaminating healthy soil with chemicals. Chemical-affiliated soil affects the plants that grow out of it. For instance, surfactants can cause structural and cytological changes in plants and harm their roots, leading to increased wilting and a difference in pH level (Jibrin, Plant Pathology Vol. 70 Issue 3).The wilting or chemical alteration of plants can disrupt natural biospheres by affecting animals that depend on vegetation for survival while also contributing to climate change as they are unable to take in as much carbon dioxide as usual. What consumers think is a minimal amount of harmless liquid is actually filled with chemicals that can build up and be hazardous to aquatic life, the atmosphere, and land biospheres.

Another component of shampoo waste to ponder is the amount of waste produced as the shampoo bottle is disposed of. When a mere shampoo bottle is thrown away after usage, consumers fail to acknowledge the amount of materials within the bottle that is being thrown and how much damage it can do to the environments all around them. Many shampoo bottles use a clear and durable plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which does not break down easily and infiltrates the environments they end up in. Due to its nonbiodegradability,  microplastics from PET shampoo bottles can harm marine animals that accidentally consume them as well as predators that feed off of them, unknowingly harming humans too as it ends up in seafood and drinking water (Cann, MADE SAFE). A less common plastic used for shampoo bottles is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which still has environmental impacts as all polyethylene does, but provides a more environmentally friendly option as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions. But generally, plastic waste has become a growing issue as its waste has become a main pollutant of our lands and waters. As plastic litters the earth, it can easily be hazardous to terrestrial food chains that accidentally ingest small particles and to plant life as the microplastic leaches chemicals that can be absorbed into soil. Most plastics, including PET and HDPE plastic, release estrogenic chemical compounds, which can seep into the soil of plants we eat or into the water that we drink, increasing risks of cardiovascular diseases and breast and prostate cancer (Souza, Chemosphere vol. 360). The seemingly simple act of throwing away one’s plastic shampoo bottle can contribute to collateral damage to the environment. 

Through the very production of a shampoo product, materials and chemicals that are used in the manufacturing process contribute to the overall waste that the product creates. Harmful chemical byproducts are created, mass amounts of fossil fuels are burned, and lots of water is used throughout the process of manufacturing the liquid and its bottle. For instance, the creation of surfactants in the shampoo’s liquid requires petrochemical processes with crude oil, gas, and fossil fuels (Morris & Chapman, Cesio). Another substance produced for shampoo’s liquid is synthetic fragrances, which release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere (Sergeant, The Good Zest Co.) and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. This air pollution poses health risks for the lungs of individuals in surrounding communities. The production of plastics like PET and HDPE for the shampoo bottle requires the manufacturing of ethylene and the burning of fossil fuels, which contributes to global warming. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide up into the air, trapping heat from the sun in the Earth’s atmosphere and causing the planet’s overall temperature to rise. Plastic production emissions have become one of the greatest problems behind climate change. The overall production process for shampoo products uses up large amounts of water, which can put a strain on water sources and sewage systems. The very creation of shampoos and their bottles can lead to great amounts of chemical and greenhouse gas emissions and the wasting of natural resources like water. This becomes a more prevalent problem as shampoo becomes more mass produced in our modern consumer era, leading to more byproducts polluting our environments behind the scenes.

In addition to the manufacturing of the shampoo product, mass amounts of greenhouse gasses are further emitted through the transportation of its materials/ingredients and the distribution of the final product to various shipping locations like factories, stores, and households. As vehicles like planes, ships, trucks, cars etc are powered for transportation, fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel are burned. This releases greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) into the atmosphere, causing transportation emissions to make up around 28% of total US greenhouse gas emissions (Regan, EPA). These greenhouse gasses are emitted as transportation is needed to extract and acquire materials like polyethylene, fossil fuels, etc needed for manufacturing and to bring the shampoo product to sellers in different store locations as well as to consumers in vast ranges of household locations. With the increase of consumerism in the modern market, the distribution of the product in more places to allow greater ranges of customers and more accessibility for purchasing leads to a necessity for more transportation, building up the environmental impact of a small, household item like shampoo.

Consumers and sellers can both take more environmental responsibility for the mass production of shampoo products by contemplating their single usage as well as their reusage.  It is important to become more mindful of how often and how much shampoo you are using and purchasing as a consumer, and how you can decrease the environmental impact of your consumption. The reason that waste from the disposal of shampoo products builds up is that consumers tend to only use their plastic bottles once before throwing it away. Indeed, recycling plastic is better than trashing it as recycled plastic can be processed and used once again in different products in the future. But not all recycled materials are guaranteed this fate and there are better alternatives where consumers can take responsibility for their products among themselves. One can reuse a plastic shampoo bottle for different purposes in the future before throwing. However, single-use plastic products are not as durable and can degrade more easily over time, and inevitably the plastic will eventually end up in the trash anyway. To avoid the problem of single-use purposed plastic bottle waste altogether, consumers can turn to bottles made up of reusable, durable materials like glass that can be used multiple times without degradation. An even better alternative would be using shampoo soap bars, which do not have any containers or packaging to worry about. In addition, consumers can grow more wary about the liquid waste from their shampoos and turn to organic shampoos that don’t use chemicals like surfactants that can harm the environment. All corporations should begin prioritizing environmental consciousness over cheap, mass production by using biodegradable materials or reusable materials like glass. They can also improve the design of their plastic shampoo bottles by using less materials in general. A 2023 study showed that the thickness of plastic in shampoo bottles could be reduced by 30% and still remain effective (Vasquez, Packaging Technology & Science, vol. 36, no. 10). This expresses how corporations’ oversized shampoo container designs were using much more plastic than needed per unit. As a bare minimum from corporations, the minimization of material put into a single-use plastic product could greatly reduce plastic waste from the industry. Another way corporations can reduce their plastic usage when designing their shampoo containers is using the refill model (pump bottle and flexible packages) and replace model (eco-designed container and flexible packages) as well as a film packaging to reduce air pollution and oil consumption (Okada, Cleaner and Responsible Consumption Vol. 3). By using innovative models for their products, sellers can maximize liquid volume while minimizing materials used, which can not only reduce costs but also their carbon footprint.

Through observing the overall life cycle of a shampoo bottle product, consumers can gain awareness on how its disposal and manufacturing process creates lots of waste that greatly impact the planet’s atmosphere, lands, waters, and communities. Through the acknowledgement of all the waste that we create as consumers of this daily hair care product, we can be less wasteful with our consumption of shampoo by regulating our usage of it and turning to eco-friendly alternatives.

Works Cited

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