Product samples of cosmetics and creams pollute the environment

The Working Group on Sustainability in Dermatology (AGN) has analysed the environmental impact of dermatological product samples in collaboration with the engineering firm C. E. Schweig. The results show that the distribution of product samples causes considerable environmental pollution and jeopardises the agreed climate targets for the healthcare sector in the long term.

AGN and the engineering firm C. E. Schweig analysed a total of 43 dermatological product samples from various manufacturers who distribute them free of charge to doctors' surgeries and pharmacies. Their packaging was analysed in each case into their different materials and the CO₂ and water consumption values for weight and material are calculated. In addition to analysing the packaging materials, particular attention was paid to the ecological impact of the manufacturing and processing procedures.

Product samples cause immense CO₂ and water consumption

The results of the study show that the production of packaging for 10 million such samples around 880 million litres of process water is used. An amount of water that could supply a village of 1,000 inhabitants in Germany for 17 years. The packaging of the samples alone releases 8,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. The same amount of CO₂ that 26 flights between Hamburg and Munich cause. In addition to this 2,300 tonnes of packaging waste on. If product samples continue to be distributed, they will be among the factors that jeopardise the healthcare sector's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2030, according to the study.

According to the authors of the study, product samples are not only unecological but also uneconomical. The acceptance and storage of samples ties up valuable medical staff time in everyday practice and pharmacy work. Additional costs for the practices are caused by oversized transport packaging and disposal caused. It is precisely these factors that often prevent the implementation of sustainable measures in medical practices, clinics and pharmacies, as the ReKlimaMed study by the Viamedica Foundation, which was funded by the German government and identified the lack of time, money and personnel as inhibiting factors for the implementation of sustainable measures, shows.

AGN demands complete renunciation of product samples

„Sample products cause a high environmental impact, small packaging in particular. Very small composite materials in particular are practically impossible to recycle. We therefore ask doctors“ surgeries and pharmacies to refrain from distributing and accepting such product samples and call on the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries to rethink their approach."

Dr Dennis Niebel, dermatologist and 2nd Chairman of the AGN

The future lies in sustainable marketing

„Product samples cause a significant consumption of raw materials. Pharmacosmetic manufacturers are required to focus instead on Innovative, sustainable and measurably efficient marketing strategies to concentrate. This saves costs, reduces their carbon footprint and creates a positive image. Companies also fulfil the requirements of EU sustainability laws such as the Taxonomy Regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).“

Carolina Schweig, Engineering office C. E. Schweig

Source: AGN