How to Write to Companies about their Packaging
It is the absolute most frustrating thing to have a company where you love their ethics or their product, but the packaging the product comes in is either wasteful, plastic, or unnecessary.
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It can be intimidating to reach out and share your voice, but I’ve included a template I’ve made along with an example!⠀
Fair warning, most companies won’t change their ways with one email. But it might plant the seed in their head to bring it up in a meeting, come up with a new marketing idea (unfortunately most companies are motivated by $$$ alone), or if they realize they’re missing out on a new customer base they will change their ways over time. The key is with these requests, especially if they’re not a “sustainable” company, is to point out the BENEFITS of this transition.
Template
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“Dear (if you know their name) or to whom it may concern,⠀
I really enjoy your (product name) because (why you enjoy it), but I am concerned about the packaging used. While it may have the benefit of (state a good quality) I would love to see an option that is (improvement you want to see- reusable/refillable/compostable/recycled materials, etc).
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Amid concerns over plastic pollution and the climate crisis, I and many other consumers are aware that only 9% of the world’s plastic has been recycled and we have an urgent need to reduce our dependence on oil based products and packaging.⠀
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I have seen (list other options) do (what you would like to see) , which would be a great idea considering there isn’t (what makes the product unique) (what you want to see) on the market yet. ⠀
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Not only do I believe making a change would increase your customer base but it would show us you care about the planet and its people’s voices.⠀
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I look forward to hearing your response!⠀
(Your name)
Here is an example I have written to Tom’s of Maine. I love their antiperspirant and have yet to find a sustainably packaged antiperspirant (there are plenty of deodorants out there but that simply doesn’t do the trick for me).
Example
To whom it may concern,
I really enjoy your antiperspirants with aluminum considering there is no evidence of it being harmful for topical use and so many companies buy into a false narrative about that ingredient. I also enjoy that it has recycled aluminum which is awesome, but I am concerned about the packaging used. While it may have the benefit of being durable, I would love to see an option that is plastic-free or compostable.
Amid rising concerns over plastic pollution and the climate crisis, I and many other consumers are aware that only 9% of the world’s plastic has been recycled and we have an urgent need to reduce our dependence on oil based products and packaging.
I have seen Native and Meow Meow Tweet make a cardboard option, which would be a great idea considering there isn’t an antiperspirant in cardboard on the market yet.
Not only do I believe making a change would increase your customer base (I have so many people asking me about plastic free antiperspirant!) but it would show us you care about the planet and its people’s voices.
I look forward to hearing your response!
Marissa
I hope this is helpful because while we shouldn’t blame consumers for the faults of companies, we have to use our voices to see change.
