This project informed the redesign of lip balm packaging

• Burt’s Bees was interested in exploring alternatives to plastic for their lip balm tubes, as well as recycling solutions that may facilitate the recycling of existing lip balm packaging. Due to the size of lip balm packaging, it is unlikely to be sorted out of the waste stream for recycling; therefore, alternative packaging materials were desired for a more environmentally-friendly end-of-life for Burt’s Bees lip balm packaging. Ubuntoo was tasked with finding solutions both to replace plastic packaging and improve the recyclability of plastic lip balm tubes. 

• A variety of refillable lip balms were showcased as best practices and inspiration for the Burt’s Bees team. Suppliers for paper, metal, and other more sustainable packaging alternatives were highlighted in the company’s private GreenHouse, a collaboration space exclusively for the Burt’s Bees team. Each packaging type was categorized by its end- of life disposal options, reuse potential, and scalability. To improve the recyclability of the existing HDPE tubes, Ubuntoo did a deep dive into recycling technologies and initiatives to recycle small format packaging. 

• The options presented to the Burt’s Bees team acted as inspiration for the company to explore new business models and packaging types. The solutions highlighted that any reuse model needs to be designed intentionally with the user in mind, must be convenient, and must be offered at an affordable price point. The team learned that small format recycling is not advanced in North America, therefore, to truly create an environmental impact, they needed to focus on the end-of-life options for any new packaging type introduced for lip balm.