As sustainability climbs the priority list for beauty and personal care brands, understanding the true impact of packaging has become essential. Environmental claims must be backed by robust data, and that starts with knowing the numbers behind every component.

At THG Labs, we’ve made it easier for our beauty brand partners to quantify and compare the environmental consequences of their packaging choices. Through integrated carbon modelling capabilities, we empower brands to make informed decisions grounded in real data backed by verified sources. 

Modelling Environmental Impact from the Start

Working with our software partner, Askor, we’ve created an advanced packaging library that enables us to simulate a wide variety of formats and materials. This allows us to offer Environmental footprint calculations (including CO₂e) that we can combine with Economic cost estimates.

From the very earliest stages of development, this modelling helps our partners explore the environmental and financial trade-offs of different solutions with confidence and clarity.

Bespoke Simulation for Innovative Formats

No two projects are the same. For custom designs or more circular systems including refillable formats, reuse models, or multi-component packaging, we’re equipped to build tailored simulations. Even at early sample stage, we assess how these systems perform in terms of overall emissions and sustainability performance.

This means that brands eager to push the boundaries of packaging innovation can do so with real insight into the impact of their choices.

Full Lifecycle Assessment, Powered by Real Data

What sets our approach apart is the depth of integration. By feeding actual packaging manufacturing and sourcing data into our system, we’re able to track and analyse packaging emissions across the entire lifecycle:

• Raw material extraction
• Conversion and production
• Distribution and transport
• End-of-life scenarios, including recyclability or disposal

This comprehensive cradle-to-grave packaging footprint analysis gives a true picture of environmental cost rather than a snapshot.

Beyond Carbon: Broader Environmental Indicators

While carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) are a key metric, they don’t tell the whole story. That’s why we also offer a Micropoints score. This aggregated impact index reflects wider ecological and human health considerations, such as:

• Ecotoxicity in land and water systems
• Respiratory risk factors from emissions
• Overall resource burden on ecosystems

This broader, more holistic scoring system supports crucial nuanced decision-making, particularly when brands are balancing multiple sustainability priorities.

Aligned with ESG Standards and Certifications

We align our social impact modelling with recognised industry frameworks including SEDEX and EcoVadis. This means our partners can track and report progress across all three pillars of sustainability – environmental (reporting), social (compliance), and economical - using verifiable metrics and quantifiable data.

Whether you're aiming to meet supplier compliance requirements, prepare for retailer audits, or substantiate marketing claims, we provide the credible data you need.

How It All Comes Together

We’ve visualised the full journey of our packaging impact modelling below, showing how sustainability is built into every stage of our full-service development approach.

From initial ideation to carbon insight generation, packaging manufacturing alignment, and portfolio-wide evaluation, we make sure every decision is informed by science and shaped for long-term success. 

Sustainability, Embedded in the Process

Our environmental impact capabilities are an embedded part of how we work supporting our customers in developing compliant and effective packaging and doing so with full visibility of its impact.

Whether you’re redesigning an existing product or planning a launch from scratch, our integrated carbon footprint modelling provides the foundation for more responsible packaging strategies. 

Let’s Build Smarter, More Sustainable Solutions Together

Not yet working with us? Explore how our full-service support can bring science, scale, and sustainability to your next innovation.