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Far from being just a symbolic gesture, the use of paper bags opens up a deeper conversation about sustainability, responsibility, and the need for systemic change
As the industry shifts towards circularity, Paper Bag Day acts as an annual nudge—but what truly matters is what happens every day after.
Even though Paper Bag Day may have come and gone, its message couldn’t be more relevant year-round—especially for the beauty industry, where packaging plays a pivotal role in both consumer perception and environmental impact. Far from being just a symbolic gesture, the use of paper bags opens up a deeper conversation about sustainability, responsibility, and the urgent need for systemic change across the value chain.
“Paper Bag Day is a timely reminder for the beauty industry to re-evaluate the environmental footprint of every touchpoint from shelf to shopper,” says Vishal Chaturvedi, Group Chief Revenue Officer at Quest Retail, The Body Shop. “At The Body Shop, we use 100% recycled paper, which is reusable. As customers become more environmentally conscious, brands must demonstrate leadership through transparency, clear purpose, and decisive action. Sustainability shouldn’t be an isolated effort; it needs to be a fundamental brand commitment.”
Indeed, today’s consumers are demanding more than surface-level eco-efforts. Packaging, once considered purely functional, is now at the heart of brand storytelling. The push for transparency in sourcing, recyclability, and ethical material use is accelerating—and for many conscious beauty brands, that’s not just a trend, it’s the norm.
Ridhima Bahuguna, co-founder, Roots Foundation believes, “Sustainable packaging is critical in today’s consumption-driven world. It reduces landfill waste and encourages mindful consumption through designs that are reusable or easily recyclable. A simple paper bag, for instance, is far easier to store and reuse than plastic bubble wrap. In the beauty industry, where packaging often outlives the product, this shift is especially crucial, as it tackles the sector’s reliance on single-use materials.”
For Esskay Beauty Resources, Paper Bag Day serves as a platform to reaffirm their sustainability mission. “Sustainability is the cornerstone for a responsible beauty industry,” says Ankit Virmani, Director at Esskay Beauty. “Our vision is to drive a Green Revolution by prioritising low-waste and eco-friendly practices and products. For Paper Bag Day, we proudly uphold our commitment to the environment with sustainable packaging solutions, replacing single-use plastics with biodegradable alternatives like paper bags and recyclable materials.”
But it doesn’t stop at bags. As Virmani explains, their broader environmental ethos touches every aspect of product development.
“Our vegan products, crafted with ethically sourced, cruelty-free ingredients, further reflect our dedication to minimising the environmental impact. We are committed to empowering salons to adopt greener practices, thereby ensuring beauty enhances both people and the planet.”
By choosing eco-friendly materials and reusable designs, “brands extend their responsibility beyond the product to its entire lifecycle. More than just a green choice for brands, sustainable packaging also raises awareness and sets an example for consumers. Ultimately, it’s about creating systems that give packaging a second life and help build a truly circular economy,” adds Bahuguna.
In many ways, Paper Bag Day is not just about paper, it’s about purpose. It’s about rethinking legacy systems, embracing eco-innovation, and transforming how beauty businesses operate at a foundational level. It’s about moving from intention to implementation, from performative sustainability to practical, persistent action.
As the industry shifts towards circularity, Paper Bag Day acts as an annual nudge but what truly matters is what happens every day after.
Because sustainability isn’t a campaign. It’s a commitment.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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