Is Dove shampoo biodegradable? 

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This article will elucidate the biodegradability of Dove shampoo. Other explained topics will be: 

  • Is Dove shampoo made from natural ingredients?
  • Can Dove shampoo biodegrade?
  • Does Dove shampoo come in biodegradable packaging?
  • What are the health complications that are triggered by Dove shampoo?
  • Is Dove shampoo production sustainable?
  • What are the qualities of a good shampoo?
  • FAQs

Is Dove shampoo biodegradable?

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

However, it is seen that there are a number of green initiatives taken by the manufacturers of Dove that include production from renewable sources of energy and the quest of being carbon neutral. In light of these aspects, the production of Dove can be considered sustainable. 

But, there are still many factors that need to be covered and improved by Dove in order to be called a sustainable and biodegradable brand. These include biodegradable packaging, and waste-free production, to name a few. 

Is Dove shampoo made from natural ingredients?

The question is very much analogous to the biodegradability of Dove shampoo. However, to the answer, no, Dove shampoo is not made from natural ingredients. 

It is a general rule of thumb that if something is made from natural ingredients, it will be biodegradable and also eco-friendly. However, if something is not made from natural ingredients, then it will be very unlikely that the product is biodegradable. 

This is because the use of synthetic materials and chemicals will indicate the use of the derivatives of fossil fuels which imply that there will be degradative effects on the environment such as global warming or the greenhouse effect. 

The same is the case for Dove shampoo. When we explore the list of ingredients published by the manufacturers of Dove, we see many synthetic chemicals and ingredients mentioned in there. 

These ingredients are made from chemicals and are synthesised in the lab. Therefore, in light of these points, it can very rightly be concluded that Dove shampoo is not made from natural ingredients. 

While exploring the list of ingredients used to make Dove shampoo, there is mention of ingredients such as benzoates, and sulphates. These compounds are known to cause harm not only to the environment but also to the various forms of life. 

If a product is made from natural materials, then it should depend on natural ingredients such as shea butter, coconut butter, lemon extracts et cetera. 

Do Dove shampoos come in biodegradable packaging?

No, Dove 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 Dove 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. 

What are the health complications that are triggered by Dove shampoos?

Let us now explore some of the health complications that may arise from the use of Dove shampoos. 

The first thing that you need to know is that the producers of Dove recently recalled a number of shampoo brands after it was unveiled that these shampoos contain benzene and that benzene causes cancer. 

Due to this, it is still thought that Dove shampoo causes cancer. Because of the recall, benzene is not used anymore in the making of Dove shampoos so we can rule out this perception as a myth. 

However, it is not all that glittery. There are still some concerns that need to be addressed and talked about. 

For example, there is the use of rather harsh chemicals such as SLS (sulphates). These are indicated to cause itching and damage to the sensitive. The effects do not end here. There are other dimensions too that include irritation to the skin, mount, and even lungs. 

Therefore, it is recommended that Dove shampoos should also be made of natural materials so that these complications may be avoided and the utility is kept intact. 

Is Dove shampoo production sustainable? (3 aspects of sustainable production) 

How a product is produced or manufactured is yet another important factor that can tell if something is sustainable or not. There are certain aspects that can be considered if it were to be known if something is produced sustainably or not. These include:

  • Is the production from renewable energy?
  • Is the production carbon neutral or carbon positive?
  • Is the production waste-free?

These are the three most inquired questions. In the case of Dove shampoo, it is claimed that many of the facilities that make Dove products rely on renewable sources of energy. Therefore, it is a green tick here. 

As per the second, it is claimed that progress is underway to become carbon neutral. However, as of now, the status is not achieved. 

There is no information on the production being waste-free, therefore, it is assumed that Dove shampoos need to offer waste-free production so that the environment may be saved from the detrimental impacts of waste generation and waste accumulation. 

What are the qualities of a good shampoo? 

If we look at the environmental impact of different chemicals discussed earlier, we can be sure that these are not to be included in a shampoo but here are some qualities of a good shampoo.

  • It is made using natural substances such as honey, olive oil etc.
  • All of its ingredients are biodegradable
  • Its packaging is biodegradable or at least recyclable.
  • It should not contain parabens, sulphates, silicones etc.
  • It should be reef-safe and eco-friendly.

These points are given in the context of future prospects of Dove shampoo. It is advised that Dove shampoo should include these points so that Dove shampoo may truly be called a biodegradable and sustainable shampoo brand. 

Conclusion

It is concluded that Dove 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 Dove shampoo is not biodegradable but recyclable which should be commended. However, it is expected that future products should include biodegradable and compostable packaging. 

However, it is seen that there are a number of green initiatives taken by the manufacturers of Dove that include production from renewable sources of energy and the quest of being carbon neutral. In light of these aspects, the production of Dove can be considered sustainable. 

But, there are still many factors that need to be covered and improved by Dove in order to be called a sustainable and biodegradable brand. These include biodegradable packaging, and waste-free production, to name a few. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Is dove shampoo biodegradable?

Does Dove contain SLS?

Yes, Dove shampoo does contain Sodium Laureth Sulphate. It is a lab-driven ingredient which is regarded as harsh to the skin, as it causes inflammation and irritation, and is toxic to aquatic ecosystems. 

What are some ingredients used in natural shampoos?

Natural and biodegradable shampoos are made from ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, honey, beeswax, royal jelly et cetera.

References

  • Tokiwa, Y., Calabia, B. P., Ugwu, C. U., & Aiba, S. (2009). Biodegradability of plastics. International journal of molecular sciences, 10(9), 3722-3742.
  • de Bertoldi, M. D., Vallini, G. E., & Pera, A. (1983). The biology of composting: a review. Waste Management & Research, 1(2), 157-176.
  • Dove. Climate Change. Retrieved from: https://www.dove.com/us/en/stories/about-dove/climate-change.html

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