Plastic in skincare cosmetics An investigation of the acceptance of plastic packaging and micro-plastics when buying skincare products

Proceedings of ‏The 4th International Conference on Business, Management and Economics

Year: 2020

DOI:

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Plastic in skincare cosmetics An investigation of the acceptance of plastic packaging and micro-plastics when buying skincare products

Prof. Audrey Mehn, Virginia Odessa Nisha Vogt

ABSTRACT: 

Never before has so much plastic existed within the environment as is currently the case. Cosmetics are a significant part of the plastic problem, both in terms of microplastics in the ingredients and through plastic-containing packaging.Generation Y is often seen as being environmentally conscious and sustainable. Contrary to this however, Generation Y has proven to be carefree when buying plastic cosmetics.This article is intended to clarify the question of why German women of Generation Y buy plastic-contaminated, caring facial cosmetics, even though they are aware of possible dam-age. Results of an online survey (N=337) and of a qualitative survey with experts revealed that the main causes for the purchase of plastic-containing, caring cosmetics include the lack of plastic-free alternative products, the lack of transparency of product declarations and the enormous amount of time involved in the search for plastic-free cosmetic.

Keywords: consumer behavior; cosmetic industry; Generation Y; online survey; sustainability.