Packing & Recycling
We strive to offer more sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging whenever possible. In some places we succeed, in some less. You can find all information about our packaging materials on this page.
Why don't we package everything in glass?
Glass is a sustainable packaging material that can be 100% recycled, provided it has been disposed of correctly. We are big fans of glass as cosmetic packaging and already offer some products, e.g. our Rosemary/Ginger soap, in pretty glass dispensers. Where appropriate, we will continue to try to use more sustainable glass packaging in the future.
In cosmetics in particular, however, some products in glass packaging are simply impractical. A toothpaste, for example, would not do well in a glass jar, as it would become contaminated with each removal. Sunscreen is often taken to the beach or swimming pool, which increases the risk of breakage.
That glass is always more sustainable than plastic is also a widespread assumption that is not entirely correct. Both the production and recycling of glass consume an insane amount of energy - more than that of plastic. In addition, glass packaging is many times heavier than plastic packaging. That's why products that have to be transported a lot (like our cosmetics, for example: from the factory to our central warehouse, from our warehouse to the central warehouse of the drugstore chain, from there to the individual stores) have a worse environmental balance when they're packaged in glass than when they're in lighter plastic packaging.
In addition, packaging made of disposable glass has to be melted down and reshaped at about 1000 degrees after use, which also consumes a lot of energy and causes CO2.
The most sustainable packaging is certainly glass - but only if you use regional reusable glass. This is possible almost everywhere with mineral water, for example, which is why we also drink water from returnable glass bottles from the region in the office, but less so with cosmetic products.
So glass is only a sustainable alternative if the packaging can be reused several times. That's why we currently only have the large soap dispenser made of glass, because thanks to our refill packs and the refill bar in the store, it can be reused indefinitely, provided it doesn't fall off. The same applies to the mouth drawing oil, which is packaged in glass to ensure consistent quality and good taste. And that is also our goal for the future: to offer glass packaging where it makes sense and fits into the eco-balance. Otherwise, we rely on plastic packaging and other materials and try to source them as sustainably as possible.
Do you have an idea for an innovative sustainable packaging material? Then write to us at: hallo@jeanlen.de
Nachhaltigkeit
Bei Jean&Len nehmen wir Nachhaltigkeit sehr ernst. Allerdings sind wir auch noch nicht perfekt.
Wer ist das schon? Wir stellen keine Naturkosmetik, sondern vegane Kosmetik her.
Unser Ziel ist es, hohe Wirksamkeit mit natürlichen Inhaltsstoffen zu verbinden,
dabei auf so viel ohne Gedøns wie möglich zu verzichten und faire Preise anbieten zu können.
#ohneGedøns
#ohneGedøns ist dabei in allen Bereichen unsere Philosophie: Produkte ohne Gedøns, Verpackung ohne Gedøns,
Design ohneGedøns - alles was nicht muss, kommt auch nicht rein. Auf manche Inhaltsstoffe oder Verpackungsarten können wir aber leider noch nicht verzichten,
auch wenn wir stetig nach Alternativen suchen. Und deshalb ist uns ein Punkt am wichtigsten: Kommunikation ohne Gedøns.
Wir wollen jederzeit ehrlich und transparent über unsere Produkte, unsere Marke
und unser Unternehmen aufklären, dafür stehen wir mit unserem Namen (ääh ne, das war jemand anderes, oder?).
Unser Versprechen an Dich: Jean&Len ist #ohne Gedøns. Bei uns ist nur drin, was draufsteht,
und alle Deine Fragen werden zu 100% ehrlich beantwortet. Ein paar der häufigsten haben wir hier für Dich zusammengefasst.
Nachhaltigkeit im Büro
Nachhaltigkeit ist uns nicht nur in Bezug auf unsere Produkte wichtig. Auch unser gesamtes Team versucht,
unseren Alltag im Büro so nachhaltig wie möglich zu gestalten und unsere soziale Verantwortung für Mensch und
Umwelt ernst zu nehmen. Hier sind ein paar Dinge, die wir in unserem Kölner Büro und unseren Lagern am Bodensee umsetzen:
What packaging materials do we use?
Different products need packaging with different properties. Since we offer a wide range of different products, we also use many different types of packaging. From pump dispensers to classic squeeze bottles to tubes and glass dispensers, it's all there. More detailed information about the different packaging materials can be found below.
The brown apothecary-style bottles that protect our Alchimiste products are made of dark PET, and the accompanying pump is made of PP.
Most of our philosophy series shampoo bottles, shower gel and body lotion tubes are made of white HDPE, the cap is also made of PP.
For our hair treatments, toothpastes and hand creams we use aluminum laminate tubes, the caps are made of PP.
The body oils and hair oil are packaged in PET bottles.
Our Rosemary/Ginger Hand & Body Wash is packaged in a reusable glass bottle that can be used for a long time and refilled over and over again. In addition, we also sell the mouthwash in a glass pump dispenser to ensure a safe product whose flavor does not deteriorate over time.
For our Rosemary/Ginger and Sandalwood/Silk body care (shower and body lotion "moisturizing" and "gentle care") we use the innovative Green Maple Leaf Tube made of highly recyclable mono-material.
The different substances at a glance:
Polypropylene (PP)::
PP is a commonly used standard plastic that comes in many colors and shapes. It is quite hard, heat-resistant, skin-friendly and durable, making it perfect for cosmetic (lids). The plastic does not contain any plasticizers and is therefore not harmful to health. PP is basically very recyclable if it is returned to the material cycle. Sorting machines can generally filter polypropylene by type and feed it for further recycling. The recycled PP is then used, for example, to cast park benches or flower pots.
Polyethylenterephtalate (PET):
The plastic PET, which we all know from beverage bottles, has diverse properties and is particularly flexible. PET is widely used and can be recycled particularly well and easily. In Germany, however, only one-third of PET plastic is actually recycled, because the raw material is not returned to the materials cycle. PET packaging, on which no deposit is charged, is particularly rarely disposed of properly. You can dispose of our PET packaging in the classic way in the yellow bag - then you have done everything right and the plastic can be recycled in the best possible way.
High-Density Polyethylen (HDPE):
Polyethlyene (PE) is the most widely used plastic in the world. It contains no plasticizers, is non-toxic, and requires fewer resources in production than PVC, for example. PE is also easy to recycle.
Aluminum laminate tube:
These tubes are a hybrid of aluminum tubes and plastic tubes. The multiple layers protect contents efficiently, these types of tubes are especially suitable for cosmetics. The tubes are made of a composite material that can be recycled. It is chopped and then reused in the industry.
This is how you separate waste correctly:
To ensure that recyclables can actually be recycled and don't have to be incinerated, it's important that you separate your trash properly in the first place. Here are a few tips on how to properly dispose of our (and all other) packaging:
- Our plastic packaging...
... can all be disposed of in the yellow bag/yellow garbage can. In general, however, it does not make sense to dispose of everything that is made of plastic in the yellow bag. Anything that cannot be recycled should not go into the trash via the yellow bag. This only means extra work for the sorting machines. As a rule of thumb, you can remember: packaging goes in the yellow bag, products do not. As an example: The front part of the toothbrush packaging, which is usually made of plastic, can be thrown into the yellow bag, but the toothbrush itself cannot - even though it is made of plastic. Aluminum always belongs in the yellow recycling garbage can, because it can be easily recycled, as well as the crumpled, used aluminum foil and the shell from the barbecue.
- Separate composites...
... if possible. With many packages, for example, the caps are not made of the same material as the dispensers. This is also sometimes the case with us. Therefore, simply separate the lid from the packaging and then throw it separately into the yellow bag - problem solved. This also applies to yogurt pots, for example. You should always tear off the lid completely and throw it into the trash separately from the cup. Only then can the sorting machines recognize the different materials and return them to the appropriate recycling cycle. - Throw only empty packaging....
... in the yellow bag. Light soiling is not a problem; of course, you don't have to wash out your toothpaste tube before it goes in the trash. But you shouldn't throw half-full shampoo bottles in the trash, because then they can't be recycled. Especially with shampoo, it's a good idea to use the last bit anyway, by filling the bottle with a little water, shaking it vigorously and washing your hair again with the rest. This way you get the most out of the product and prepare the packaging for recycling.
Verpackung & Recycling
Wenn man über nachhaltigere Kosmetik- und Lifestyle-Produkte nachdenkt, kommt man an der Verpackung nicht vorbei.
Wir sind bemüht, wann immer es geht, nachhaltigere Alternative zu den klassischen Plastikverpackungen anzubieten. An manchen Stellen gelingt uns das, an manchen weniger. Alle Infos zu unseren verwendeten Verpackungsmaterialien findest Du auf dieser Seite.
Why don't we package everything in glass?
Glass is a sustainable packaging material that can be 100% recycled, provided it has been disposed of correctly. We are big fans of glass as cosmetic packaging and already offer some products, e.g. our Rosemary/Ginger soap, in pretty glass dispensers. Where appropriate, we will continue to try to use more sustainable glass packaging in the future.
In cosmetics in particular, however, some products in glass packaging are simply impractical. A toothpaste, for example, would not do well in a glass jar, as it would become contaminated with each removal. Sunscreen is often taken to the beach or swimming pool, which increases the risk of breakage.
That glass is always more sustainable than plastic is also a widespread assumption that is not entirely correct. Both the production and recycling of glass consume an insane amount of energy - more than that of plastic. In addition, glass packaging is many times heavier than plastic packaging. That's why products that have to be transported a lot (like our cosmetics, for example: from the factory to our central warehouse, from our warehouse to the central warehouse of the drugstore chain, from there to the individual stores) have a worse environmental balance when they're packaged in glass than when they're in lighter plastic packaging.
In addition, packaging made of disposable glass has to be melted down and reshaped at about 1000 degrees after use, which also consumes a lot of energy and causes CO2.
The most sustainable packaging is certainly glass - but only if you use regional reusable glass. This is possible almost everywhere with mineral water, for example, which is why we also drink water from returnable glass bottles from the region in the office, but less so with cosmetic products.
So glass is only a sustainable alternative if the packaging can be reused several times. That's why we currently only have the large soap dispenser made of glass, because thanks to our refill packs and the refill bar in the store, it can be reused indefinitely, provided it doesn't fall off. The same applies to the mouth drawing oil, which is packaged in glass to ensure consistent quality and good taste. And that is also our goal for the future: to offer glass packaging where it makes sense and fits into the eco-balance. Otherwise, we rely on plastic packaging and other materials and try to source them as sustainably as possible.
Do you have an idea for an innovative sustainable packaging material? Then write to us at: hallo@jeanlen.de
Welche Verpackungsmaterialien verwenden wir?
Verschiedene Produkte benötigen Verpackungen mit unterschiedlichen Eigenschaften. Da wir eine Vielzahl an verschiedenen Produkten anbieten, nutzen wir auch viele unterschiedliche Verpackungen. Von Pumpspendern über klassische Squeeze-Flaschen zu Tuben und Glasspendern ist alles dabei. Genauere Infos zu den verschiedenen Packmitteln findest Du etwas weiter unten. Die braunen Flaschen im Apotheker-Stil, die unsere Alchimiste-Produkte schützen, sind aus dunklem PET, die dazugehörige Pumpe aus PP. Die meisten unserer Shampoo-Flaschen der Philosophie-Serie sind aus weißem HDPE, der Verschluss ebenfalls aus PP. Für unsere Haarkuren, Zahnpastas und Handcremes nutzen wir Alu-Laminat-Tuben, die Verschlüsse sind aus PP. Die Mundspülung und das Haaröl sind in PET-Flaschen verpackt. Unser Rosemary&Ginger Hand&Body Wash wird in einer wiederverwendbaren Glasflasche verpackt, die lange benutzt und immer wieder neu befüllt werden kann (so lange Du sie nicht kaputt machst). Außerdem verkaufen wir das Mundziehöl auch in einem Pumpspender aus Glas, um ein sicheres Produkt zu gewährleisten, dessen Geschmack sich nicht mit der Zeit verfälscht.
Die verschiedenen Stoffe im Überblick:
Polypropylen (PP):
PP ist ein häufig verwendeter Standardkunststoff, den es in vielen Farben und Formen gibt. Er ist recht hart, wärmebeständig, hautverträglich und widerstandsfähig und somit perfekt für Kosmetik(-deckel) geeignet. Der Kunststoff kommt ohne Weichmacher aus und ist deshalb nicht gesundheitsschädlich. PP ist grundsätzlich sehr gut recycelbar, wenn es dem Wertstoffkreislauf wieder zugeführt wird. Die Sortiermaschinen können Polypropylen in der Regel sortenrein filtern und der Weiterverwertung zuführen. Aus dem recycelten PP werden dann zum Beispiel Parkbänke oder Blumentöpfe gegossen.
Polyethylenterephtalat (PET):
Der Kunststoff PET, den wir alle von Getränkeflaschen kennen, hat vielfältige Eigenschaften und ist besonders flexibel. PET ist weit verbreitet und kann besonders gut und einfach recycelt werden. In Deutschland wird tatsächlich aber nur ein Drittel des PET-Kunststoffes recycelt, weil die Rohware nicht zurück in den Wertstoffkreislauf gelangt. Besonders PET-Verpackungen, auf die kein Pfand erhoben wird, werden besonders selten richtig entsorgt. Unsere PET-Verpackungen kannst Du klassisch im Gelben Sack entsorgen – dann hast Du alles richtig gemacht und der Kunststoff kann bestmöglich wiederverwertet werden.
High-Density Polyethylen (HDPE):
Polyethlyen (PE) ist der weltweit verbreitetste Kunststoff. Er enthält keine Weichmacher, ist ungiftig, benötigt weniger Ressourcen in der Produktion als zum Beispiel PVC. Außerdem lässt sich PE gut recyceln.
Alu-Laminat-Tube:
Diese Tuben sind ein Hybrid aus Aluminiumtuben und Kunststofftuben. Durch die mehreren Schichten werden Inhalte effizient geschützt, diese Tubenarten eignen sich besonders für Kosmetik. Die Tuben sind aus einem Verbundmaterial, das recycelt werden kann. Es wird gehäckselt und dann in der Industrie weiterverwendet.
What packaging materials do we use?
Different products need packaging with different properties. Since we offer a wide range of different products, we also use many different types of packaging. From pump dispensers to classic squeeze bottles to tubes and glass dispensers, it's all there. More detailed information about the different packaging materials can be found below.
The brown apothecary-style bottles that protect our Alchimiste products are made of dark PET, and the accompanying pump is made of PP.
Most of our philosophy series shampoo bottles, shower gel and body lotion tubes are made of white HDPE, the cap is also made of PP.
For our hair treatments, toothpastes and hand creams we use aluminum laminate tubes, the caps are made of PP.
The body oils and hair oil are packaged in PET bottles.
Our Rosemary/Ginger Hand & Body Wash is packaged in a reusable glass bottle that can be used for a long time and refilled over and over again. In addition, we also sell the mouthwash in a glass pump dispenser to ensure a safe product whose flavor does not deteriorate over time.
For our Rosemary/Ginger and Sandalwood/Silk body care (shower and body lotion "moisturizing" and "gentle care") we use the innovative Green Maple Leaf Tube made of highly recyclable mono-material.
The different substances at a glance:
Polypropylene (PP):
PP is a commonly used standard plastic that comes in many colors and shapes. It is quite hard, heat-resistant, skin-friendly and durable, making it perfect for cosmetic (lids). The plastic does not contain any plasticizers and is therefore not harmful to health. PP is basically very recyclable if it is returned to the material cycle. Sorting machines can generally filter polypropylene by type and feed it for further recycling. The recycled PP is then used, for example, to cast park benches or flower pots.
Polyethylenterephtalate (PET):
The plastic PET, which we all know from beverage bottles, has diverse properties and is particularly flexible. PET is widely used and can be recycled particularly well and easily. In Germany, however, only one-third of PET plastic is actually recycled, because the raw material is not returned to the materials cycle. PET packaging, on which no deposit is charged, is particularly rarely disposed of properly. You can dispose of our PET packaging in the classic way in the yellow bag - then you have done everything right and the plastic can be recycled in the best possible way.
High-Density Polyethylen (HDPE):
Polyethlyene (PE) is the most widely used plastic in the world. It contains no plasticizers, is non-toxic, and requires fewer resources in production than PVC, for example. PE is also easy to recycle.
Aluminum laminate tube:
These tubes are a hybrid of aluminum tubes and plastic tubes. The multiple layers protect contents efficiently, these types of tubes are especially suitable for cosmetics. The tubes are made of a composite material that can be recycled. It is chopped and then reused in the industry.
Recycling - but the right way!
Almost all of our packaging can be recycled. However, to ensure that the packaging can also be profitably fed into the material cycle, i.e. recycled*, it is extremely important that you dispose of the packaging correctly.
To help you do this without having to do a lot of research, we've put together a few tips for you here.
*Here you will directly learn a bit of disposal slang: material recovery is more or less the entry to actual recycling, the disposed material is recycled. The opposite is thermal recovery, less nicely formulated: incineration, of materials that cannot be recycled.
So trennst Du Müll richtig:
Damit Wertstoffe auch wirklich recycelt werden können und nicht verbrannt werden müssen, ist es wichtig, dass Du deinen Müll von vorneherein richtig trennst. Hier sind ein paar Tipps, wie Du unsere (und alle anderen) Verpackungen richtig entsorgst:
This is how you separate waste correctly:
To ensure that recyclables can actually be recycled and don't have to be incinerated, it's important that you separate your trash properly in the first place. Here are a few tips on how to properly dispose of our (and all other) packaging:
Recycling - but the right way!
Almost all of our packaging can be recycled. However, to ensure that the packaging can also be profitably fed into the material cycle, i.e. recycled*, it is extremely important that you dispose of the packaging correctly.
To help you do this without having to do a lot of research, we've put together a few tips for you here.
*Here you will directly learn a bit of disposal slang: material recovery is more or less the entry to actual recycling, the disposed material is recycled. The opposite is thermal recovery, less nicely formulated: incineration, of materials that cannot be recycled.
Wir die Firma Jean&Len GmbH weisen darauf hin, dass sämtliche gebrauchte, restentleerte Verpackungen i.S.d. § 15 Abs. 1 VerpackG der gleichen Art, Form und Größe wie die von uns verwendeten Verpackungen am Ort der Übergabe oder in dessen unmittelbarer Nähe unentgeltlich zurückgegeben werden können.
