picture of some plastic packaging, to talk about cosmetic waste and ecological impact.
November 8, 2026Cosmetic waste: buy less, buy better

Cosmetic waste isn't just about empty packaging. It starts well before that, in the bathroom, with the serum bought on a whim, the cream that doesn't suit our skin or the bottle left at the back of the cabinet. The most effective step is simple: buy less and, above all, choose better.

Buy less, buy better

Before you head to the checkout, ask yourself whether this product truly meets a real need for your skin or hair. A product that suits you is one you'll use to the very end. A few habits can help you make the right choice.

1

Take inventory

For two weeks, make a note of the products you actually use. This list, probably shorter than you think, quickly shows the difference between the products you really use and those that sit forgotten at the back of a drawer.

2

Finish before replacing

Use what you already have before buying more. A half-used product is worth more than a brand-new one forgotten in a drawer.

3

Take the time to do your research

If you're unsure about a new product, read the ingredient list, compare it with what you already use and look at reviews from people whose skin or hair is similar to yours. For sensitive skin or a specific need, don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice. Good advice can save you from a bad purchase.

4

Test before you commit

A small size or a sample lets you try a product without ending up with a half-full bottle if it doesn't work for you.

Spot the PAO symbol

On many packages, you'll find a small open jar with a number followed by the letter M, such as "12M". This is the PAO symbol, which stands for "period after opening". It indicates how many months a product can be used once it has been opened.

In the European Union, this symbol is mandatory when a cosmetic's minimum durability is 30 months or more, and a minimum durability date is shown in all other cases.5 In Canada, Health Canada has no specific requirement for an expiry date on cosmetics.4 The PAO symbol is therefore still a good guide, as are signs that your product has changed, such as an unusual smell, colour or texture.3

Tip: Write the date you opened the product on the package to keep track.

Packaging waste, a very real issue

Packaging accounts for a large share of plastic waste. Worldwide, about 40% of plastic waste comes from packaging, and only 9% of plastic waste was recycled in 2019.1 In Canada, the situation is similar. About 4.4 million tonnes of plastic were discarded in 2019, and only 9% of it was recycled.2

These figures cover all plastics, not just cosmetics. Still, they are a reminder that the best packaging is the one you don't need, and that the packaging you do use must be sorted properly.

Sorting your packaging properly

What goes in the recycling bin depends on your local program, and the rules can vary from one community to the next.6 Here is how to prepare your packaging before it goes in the bin.

✓Empty your containers thoroughly before discarding them.
✓Separate the components when possible, such as the pump and the bottle.
✓Check your city's or local recycling program's guidelines to make sure each item goes in the right bin. If you're unsure about an item, look up your municipality or local waste regulations before tossing it.

What we're doing at ATTITUDE®

At ATTITUDE®, we aim to reduce packaging wherever we can, through a variety of formats.

ECO-REFILLS

Our eco-refills let you use up to 80% less plastic than buying a new container.

CARDBOARD

Many of our products come in FSC-certified cardboard packaging, free of plastic.

SOLID FORMATS

Our solid formats, such as our Super leaves® bars for hair, body and face, are plastic-free and therefore need no bottle.

No packaging is without impact. That's why buying less, choosing what you need and using a product to the very end remains the best way to limit waste.

Going further

Start by taking a look at your bathroom. What's half-used? What no longer suits you? Finish what you have, note the opening dates and, on your next purchase, choose a product you'll truly enjoy using down to the last drop.

References

[1] Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Plastic pollution is growing relentlessly as waste management and recycling fall short, says OECD [Internet]. Paris: OECD; 2022 Feb 22 [cited 2026 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.oecd.org/en/about/news/press-releases/2022/02/plastic-pollution-is-growing-relentlessly-as-waste-management-and-recycling-fall-short.html

[2] Environment and Climate Change Canada. How can Canada cut pollution, recycle more plastic, and track plastic products nationally? Consultations launched [Internet]. Gatineau (QC): Government of Canada; 2023 Apr 18 [cited 2026 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2023/04/how-can-canada-cut-pollution-recycle-more-plastic-and-track-plastic-products-nationally-consultations-launched.html

[3] Health Canada. Using cosmetics safely [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Government of Canada; 2019 Sep 17 [cited 2026 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/cosmetiques/produits-cosmetiques-et-securite.html

[4] Nguyen T. When to toss old beauty products according to a cosmetic-science expert [Internet]. CBC Life; 2019 Nov 22 [cited 2026 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.cbc.ca/life/style/when-to-toss-old-beauty-products-according-to-a-cosmetic-science-expert-1.5370206

[5] European Commission. Questions/answers on the "period of time after opening" [Internet]. Brussels: European Commission; 2025 Feb [cited 2026 Nov 10]. Available from: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/circabc-ewpp/rest/download/63b54253-c752-4cb5-88c7-a5b95915070a

[6] United States Environmental Protection Agency. How do I recycle common recyclables? [Internet]. Washington (DC): United States Environmental Protection Agency; updated 2026 May 19 [cited 2026 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables

Written by Team ATTITUDE