As regulatory trends and consumer preferences shift towards more sustainable packaging, cosmetic brands must understand the importance of resin identification codes (RICs) and their impact on recyclability.

Are there any specific regulations that encourage the use of one type of resin over another?

As of April 2024, there aren’t any specific regulations that explicitly encourage the use of one type of resin over another. However, regulatory trends and market dynamics are increasingly favoring resins that are more recyclable.

European Union. On November 30, 2022, the European Commission proposed revisions to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) to ensure that "all packaging on the EU market is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030". (Source)

United States. There are currently no federal-level mandatory targets for the recyclability of plastic packaging that dictate a specific percentage of recyclable materials that must be used.

However, some states have enacted their own regulations. For example, Washington State has set the following annual minimum postconsumer recycled content percentages for plastic containers used in personal care products:

• 2025 - 2027: No less than 15 percent postconsumer recycled content plastic by weight

• 2028 - 2030: No less than 25 percent postconsumer recycled content plastic by weight

• On and after 2031: No less than 50 percent postconsumer recycled content plastic by weight (Source)