Is Aveda Shampoo biodegradable? (9 benefits of eco steps taken by Aveda) 

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This article will elucidate the biodegradability of Aveda shampoos. Other targeted content would include: 

  • Is Aveda shampoo made from natural ingredients?
  • Is Aveda shampoo biodegradable?
  • Are the ingredients of Aveda shampoo good?
  • Does Aveda shampoo come in biodegradable packaging?
  • How to dispose of Aveda shampoos correctly?
  • What are the eco steps taken by Aveda?
  • FAQs

Is Aveda Shampoo biodegradable?

Aveda shampoo is not biodegradable because it uses controversial and degradative chemicals such as benzoates and sulphates. These chemicals have degradative effects on the environment and health too. 

The packaging of Aveda shampoo is not biodegradable but recyclable which should be commended. However, it is expected that future products should include biodegradable and compostable packaging. 

However, despite being non-biodegradable, Aveda products can be considered eco-friendly because it uses recycled packaging, and more than 50% of their ingredients are natural. This is done in compliance with ISO standard 16218. 

Is Aveda shampoo made from natural ingredients?

Many of the ingredients are indeed natural such as roots extracts and fruit peel extracts but the same is the case with other shampoos available in the market they also contain some natural ingredients but what aveda prizes itself for is that all their products are naturally made this is not true in case of its shampoos and we’ll see the composition to find out.

While observing the ingredients on the back of aveda shampoo, you’ll observe that aveda has used almost the same kind of formula used by conventional shampoos but they did not follow the proper labelling list to confuse consumers that they may not be able to detect any unnatural substances.

Upon close examination following synthetic ingredients are observed which are the same as other conventional shampoos. These include detergents (disodium laureth sulfosuccinate), conditioning ingredients, preservatives (parabens, isothiazolinones), artificial fragrances etc.

These are harmful to marine life as many of them are non-biodegradable, some are toxic and all are synthetic. That is the prime reason why aveda stated that their shampoos must not be used near open lakes and have to be used where wastewater first goes through treatment facilities. 

Are Aveda shampoo ingredients biodegradable?

There are two factors that determine the biodegradability of any substance. These include:

  • How long does it last?
  • What is the environmental impact of the particular substance?

In the case of shampoos, the main factor that determines the biodegradability of shampoos is what materials or chemicals are used in the making of a particular shampoo. 

As a general rule of thumb, shampoos should not contain harmful chemicals such as parabens or triclosan because these chemicals will make shampoos bad not only for the skin (as there would be harsh effects on sensitive skin) but also for the environment in the form of water pollution and toxicity. 

In comparison to this, if a shampoo is made from natural materials and ingredients such as plant extracts et cetera, then it would be rather gentler on the scalp and the planet. In that case, that shampoo will be called biodegradable shampoo. 

It is seen that Aveda shampoo uses detergents (disodium laureth sulfosuccinate), conditioning ingredients, preservatives (parabens, isothiazolinones), and artificial fragrances. These are harmful to marine life as many of them are non-biodegradable, some are toxic and all are synthetic.

Therefore, in light of these observations, it can be concluded that Aveda shampoo is not biodegradable because it will pose harm and threat to life and the environment, be it marine ecosystem or aquatic life. 

Are the ingredients of Aveda shampoo good?

This question can be answered and explained from two main perspectives. One is the utilitarian perspective and the other is the environmental perspective. 

As regards the utilitarian perspective, yes, the ingredients of Aveda shampoo are good because they serve the purpose for which they are included in. Aveda shampoo is a famous shampoo with good utility.

However, as regards the other factor, there is a dichotomous point of view here. Aveda shampoo uses both natural and non-natural ingredients. Natural ingredients such as glycerin are good for the environment but ingredients such as benzoates and sulphates are regarded as not that good for both the environment and human life. 

For example, sodium benzoate used in Aveda shampoo is linked with medical complications of obesity, stress, inflammation, and allergies. 

Do Aveda shampoos come in biodegradable packaging?

No, aveda does not use biodegradable packaging. Instead, it uses Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging which is lightweight and 100% recyclable.

It is understandable that most cosmetics cannot be held for long inside biodegradable packaging and can leak out or the packaging may degrade before the expiry of the product so there is nothing wrong in using recyclable plastic as long as the company does the life cycle analysis which aveda claims they have done.

Packaging is yet another very important factor that needs to be addressed and given due assertion. This is mainly because every consumer product needs to be packed so that its inner contents may be saved from external damage. 

However, the problem is that many producers and manufacturers rely on plastic packaging. It is good from the aspects of utility, but from the aspects of the environment. 

It already has been asserted that plastic packaging is made from synthetic polymers. These polymers are made and derived from the derivatives of fossil fuels. Therefore, there are a number of degradative effects on the people and the planet. These effects include:

  • Global warming
  • Greenhouse effect
  • Weather changes
  • Melting of glaciers
  • Rising sea levels
  • Deforestation
  • Acid rain
  • Ozone depletion
  • Pollution

Therefore, it is recommended that the packaging of the best shampoos should not be made from plastics. It is bad for the people and bad for the planet. The first preference is biodegradable packaging made from natural materials such as cardboard, bioplastics et cetera. 

If the packaging can not be biodegradable, it should at least be recyclable so that the degradative effects of plastic packaging could be avoided. 

Another associated concept is the innovation of reusable bottles. Biodegradable shampoos should also offer the option of refillable bottles where the consumers may have the access to have their bottles refilled with provided incentives. 

This would encourage decreased production of bottles, decreased use of non-renewable resources, better LCA of the overall product, and decreased carbon footprint. 

How to dispose of aveda shampoo properly?

In many ways, correct disposal techniques and options are the necessary brick-and-mortar to either make something eco-friendly or to make it environmentally unfit. Therefore, it is important to note how to correctly dispose of Aveda shampoos. 

As advertised by aveda, all of its packaging of used products can be sent back to its stores so they can be recycled or reused. Regarding the products such as shampoos and hand wash etc, aveda recommends them to be used where wastewater goes through treatment facilities so that the harmful chemicals can be left out of the water.

We have discussed earlier that aveda shampoo which is more commonly known as sham pure contains some amount of synthetic and toxic chemicals which is why it is not recommended to throw them directly in rivers and lakes or to use them near these water bodies.

However, unfortunately, there is not much that you can do about it. When Aveda shampoo is used, it is imperative that these chemicals will become a part of the drain and end up in aquatic and marine ecosystems which will have degradative impacts on the associated ecosystems. 

What is Aveda currently doing to further reduce its environmental impact? (9 benefits of eco-steps) 

Aveda has been and is one of the leading companies to take up the task of turning their whole operation. The company representatives say that they plan to make 100% of their products biodegradable in the near future and will 100% of their packaging from recycled materials.

This will enrich the environment with a number of benefits that will include: 

  • Better waste management
  • Better resource management
  • Decreased GHG emissions
  • Decreased global warming
  • Increased reliance on renewable resources
  • Decreased LCA 
  • Decreased use of chemicals 
  • The sustainable strain on raw materials 
  • Better utilisation of resources 

These steps are a type of insurance that Aveda shampoos are dedicated to and committed to becoming eco-friendly and sustainable. However, as we have seen, as per the current status, Aveda shampoos can not be included in the category of eco-friendly products. This is mainly due to the factors such as the use of harmful chemicals and the non-inclusion of biodegradable packaging. 

Conclusion

It is concluded that Aveda shampoo is not biodegradable because it uses controversial and degradative chemicals such as benzoates and sulphates. These chemicals have degradative effects on the environment and health too. 

The packaging of Aveda shampoo is not biodegradable but recyclable which should be commended. However, it is expected that future products should include biodegradable and compostable packaging. 

However, despite being non-biodegradable, Aveda products can be considered eco-friendly because it uses recycled packaging, and more than 50% of their ingredients are natural. This is done in compliance with ISO standard 16218. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Is Aveda Shampoo biodegradable?

Is Aveda shampoo certified?

Yes, Aveda shampoo is certified with the ISO standard ISO 16218. This means that it has more than 50% of its ingredients as natural materials. 

Is Aveda shampoo cruelty-free?

Yes, Aveda shampoo is vegan and cruelty-free as it is not tested on animals. No animals are harmed by the production of Aveda shampoos. 

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