Aesop’s packaging ethos is rooted in functional simplicity: vessels must be humble, utilitarian, and have minimal environmental impact. Our material selection is a careful balance of formulation compatibility, global compliance, and a commitment to circular systems.
Amber Glass and Aluminium: We traditionally favour pharmaceutical-grade amber glass for its inert properties and UV protection, which maintains the stability of active botanical extracts and minimizes the need for preservatives. Where glass is not viable, we utilise aluminium. In 2023, we transitioned our most popular 75mL and 100mL tubes to 100% post-consumer recycled aluminium, achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
Recycled PET (rPET) Plastic: The decision to use plastic is based on a pragmatic convergence of safety and portability-particularly for products used in travel or wet areas. Our bottles are manufactured using a minimum of 97% post-consumer recycled content. By choosing rPET over glass for specific ranges, we achieve environmental savings through reduced freight emissions and product wastage from breakages. Furthermore, our use of recycled PET helps create demand for materials that would otherwise be destined for landfill.
Paper and Cardboard: Where paper or cardboard is required, we exclusively select stocks that are recyclable and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) or PEFC, verifying that all materials have been responsibly sourced.
Recycling your Aesop vessels
We strongly encourage our customers to repurpose their Aesop packaging. Our jars are well suited to reuse as storage containers for many small household items, from paper clips to staples to hairpins. Aesop Mouthwash bottles make serviceable and attractive vases, as well as worthy vessels to house oils in your pantry.
Should you not have an ongoing use for your Aesop container, and have access to recycling services, we recommend separating components and placing any unwanted Aesop glass, aluminium, cardboard and recycled PET containers into municipal recycling bins or alternative local container recovery systems, as these items are commonly recyclable.
We recommend seeking guidance from your local council or government website regarding local recycling capabilities and relevant instructions.
We have also introduced our Rinse and Return program, offering a convenient local drop-off point for customers to return their used packaging to recycling centres.