For beauty brands developing
a new false lash collection,
sustainability is no longer only
a packaging design question.
If a brand wants to position
a lash product around
plant-based materials,
recyclable packaging,
renewable materials
or reduced environmental impact,
the product-development process
needs to begin much earlier.
The brand must understand
what each component is made from,
which claims can be supported,
what documentation is available,
and whether the final product
actually matches the message
printed on the packaging.
Velour’s Plant Fibre
and everGREEN lash collections
provide a useful market benchmark
for studying this direction.
The objective for a private label brand,
however,
should not be to copy
Velour’s product names,
packaging,
graphics
or marketing language.
The better approach
is to study the product logic
behind a sustainability-focused lash collection
and build an independent specification
with its own materials,
lash styles,
packaging,
testing
and brand positioning.
Why Sustainable Lash Development
Is More Complex Than Changing the Box
A conventional false lash project
often begins with questions such as:
- Lash shape
- Length
- Volume
- Fiber appearance
- Band type
- Packaging design
A sustainability-focused project
adds additional questions:
- What is the lash fiber actually made from?
- What is the lash band made from?
- Which components are plant-based?
- Which components contain plastic?
- Is the tray recyclable?
-
Is the paper packaging recycled,
recyclable
or biodegradable? - What printing ink is used?
-
Can the supplier provide
material documentation? -
Which environmental claims
can the brand legally support?
This means sustainability
should be treated
as part of the product specification,
not simply as a marketing theme.
1. Start by Defining
What “Sustainable” Means for Your Brand
“Sustainable” is a very broad word.
Two beauty brands
may use the term
while developing completely different products.
One brand may focus on:
- Plant-based lash fibers
- Reduced plastic packaging
- Recycled paper cartons
- Reusable lash designs
- Renewable materials
- Lower packaging weight
Another brand may focus
mainly on reducing unnecessary packaging
while keeping
the existing lash construction.
Before contacting a manufacturer,
the brand should decide
which environmental improvements
are actually important
to its customer
and commercial strategy.
This creates
a much clearer development brief.
2. Break the Lash Product
into Individual Components
A false lash
is not one single material.
Depending on the construction
and packaging format,
a finished retail product
may include:
- Lash fibers
- Lash band
- Adhesive used in construction
- Inner tray
- Paper card
- Outer carton
- Plastic window
- Printed labels
- Protective film
- Retail accessories
Each component
may have a different material
and a different disposal route.
This is why a brand
should avoid assuming
that one environmentally preferable component
automatically makes
the entire finished product sustainable.
3. Plant-Based Lash Fibers
Need Clear Material Identification
If plant-based fibers
are part of the product concept,
the first question should be:
What exactly is the fiber material?
The buyer should ask
the manufacturing partner
for a clear material description
rather than relying only
on general phrases
such as:
- Eco fiber
- Green fiber
- Natural fiber
- Plant lash
- Environmentally friendly fiber
A useful sourcing discussion
may include:
- Material name
- Plant-derived content
- Percentage of plant-derived material
- Other materials in the fiber
- Surface coating
- Coloring process
- Available supplier documentation
- Batch consistency
If the brand plans
to print a specific percentage
or material claim,
that information
should be supported
before packaging is finalized.
4. Plant-Based
Does Not Automatically Mean Biodegradable
This distinction
is particularly important.
A material can contain
plant-derived content
without necessarily behaving
like a naturally biodegradable material
under normal disposal conditions.
Similarly,
a technically biodegradable material
may require specific industrial,
temperature,
moisture
or microbial conditions
before meaningful breakdown occurs.
For this reason,
brands should not automatically convert
a supplier’s “plant-based” description
into marketing claims such as:
- 100% biodegradable
- Completely biodegradable
- Zero waste
- Plastic-free
- Eco-friendly
Each claim
needs its own evidence.
5. The Lash Band
Should Be Evaluated Separately
Even if the lash fiber
uses plant-derived material,
the band may use
a completely different construction.
Possible development questions include:
- What material is used for the band?
- Does it contain cotton?
-
Is the cotton conventional
or certified organic? - Does the band contain synthetic components?
- How flexible is the band?
- How does the material affect comfort?
-
How consistent is the band
between production batches?
A beauty brand
should therefore evaluate
the fiber
and the band
as separate specification items.
6. Material Changes
Must Not Destroy Product Performance
A sustainability-focused material
still needs to function
as a beauty product.
Consumers will still judge:
- Comfort
- Appearance
- Weight
- Flexibility
- Curl
- Fiber direction
- Fit
- Ease of application
- Reusability
If a new fiber material
changes curl retention,
color,
softness
or shape recovery,
the product specification
may need additional development.
The same applies
to a different lash band.
A material should not be selected
only because it supports
a stronger marketing message.
It also needs to perform
for the intended consumer.
7. Build Several Lash Styles
Around the Same Material Platform
A sustainable lash concept
does not have to be limited
to one SKU.
Once a suitable material system
has been approved,
brands can develop
several visual directions.
| Product Direction | Development Focus |
|---|---|
| Natural |
Light density, moderate length and everyday wear |
| Wispy |
Mixed lengths, soft texture and visible separation |
| Half Lash |
Shorter band and outer-corner emphasis |
| Cat-Eye |
Graduated length toward the outer corner |
| Full Volume |
Higher density with controlled product weight |
| Multipack |
Repeat-use positioning and improved retail value |
This allows the brand
to create a coherent collection
instead of treating sustainability
as a one-product experiment.
8. Reusability
Can Be Part of the Product Strategy
For strip lashes,
reusability can be
an important product-development consideration.
However,
the brand should define
what it actually means
by reusable.
Performance may depend on:
- Band durability
- Fiber attachment
- Consumer handling
- Adhesive removal
- Cleaning method
- Storage conditions
- Original product construction
If a specific number
of reuses
will be printed
on the packaging,
the brand should have
a reasonable testing basis
for that claim.
A vague reuse promise
may create unnecessary risk
if actual consumer results vary widely.
9. Packaging
Is a Major Part of the Sustainability Story
In many beauty products,
the packaging may contain
more different material types
than the product itself.
A conventional lash package
can include:
- Plastic tray
- Plastic window
- Laminated paper
- Printed carton
- Foil decoration
- Magnetic closures
- Protective inserts
A sustainability-focused brand
can review
which components are necessary
and which can be reduced
or replaced.
10. Consider Reducing
Unnecessary Packaging Components
One of the simplest
product-development questions is:
Does the product need
every packaging component
currently being used?
Possible directions may include:
- Smaller cartons
- Reduced plastic
- No unnecessary outer sleeve
- Simplified tray structure
- Reduced insert materials
- Lower packaging weight
- Efficient shipping dimensions
Reducing material
can sometimes be more practical
than adding another
environmental marketing claim.
11. Recycled Paper
and Recyclable Paper
Are Different Claims
These two phrases
should not be treated
as interchangeable.
Recycled content
describes material
that contains recovered
or recycled input.
Recyclable
describes whether
the finished material
can enter
an appropriate recycling system.
A carton
may contain recycled material
but still include coatings,
lamination,
windows
or decorative components
that affect recyclability.
When developing packaging,
buyers should confirm:
- Paper material
- Recycled content percentage
- Surface coating
- Lamination
- Plastic window
- Foil stamping
- Ink type
- Adhesives
- Local recycling compatibility
12. Soy Ink
Should Also Be Confirmed
Some sustainability-focused
beauty packaging
uses soy-based printing ink.
If this becomes
part of the brand message,
the printing supplier
should confirm
what ink system is actually used.
The brand should avoid
assuming that every printer
or every color process
automatically uses soy ink.
Printing specifications
should therefore be included
in packaging development records
when relevant.
13. Be Careful
with “Eco-Friendly” Claims
Broad environmental claims
can create a much larger promise
than the brand intends.
Instead of saying:
“Eco-friendly lashes”
it may be more accurate
to describe
the specific verified feature,
for example:
-
Made with a specified percentage
of plant-derived material -
Carton made with
a stated percentage
of recycled paper - Plastic-free outer carton
-
Reduced packaging compared
with the brand’s previous format -
Organic cotton band,
if verified -
Soy-based printing ink,
if verified
Specific claims
are easier for consumers
to understand
and easier for brands
to substantiate.
14. “Biodegradable”
Requires Particular Care
Biodegradable claims
should not be treated
as general promotional language.
The brand needs to understand:
-
Which exact component
is biodegradable? - Under what conditions?
- How long does degradation take?
- Is industrial composting required?
-
Does the claim apply
to the lash,
the band,
the tray
or only the carton?
Different markets
may also apply
different regulatory standards
to environmental claims.
In the United States,
for example,
brands should review
the FTC Green Guides
before using environmental claims
such as biodegradable,
recyclable,
recycled content
or renewable materials.
Other target markets
may have their own
consumer protection
and environmental marketing rules.
15. Ask Suppliers
for Evidence Before Printing Packaging
Packaging artwork
should not be finalized
before important material claims
have been confirmed.
Depending on the project,
useful supporting information
may include:
- Material specification sheets
- Supplier declarations
- Fiber composition information
- Paper specifications
- Recycled content information
- Printing ink information
- Third-party test reports
- Relevant certifications
The exact documents available
will depend on the material,
manufacturer
and packaging supplier.
If a particular certification
is commercially important,
it should be confirmed
before the brand promises it
to retailers or consumers.
16. Certifications
Should Be Checked Carefully
A certification logo
should not be added
to packaging
simply because
a raw material supplier
mentions a certification.
Brands should confirm:
- Who owns the certification?
- Which company is certified?
- Which material is covered?
- Whether the finished product is covered?
- Whether the logo can legally be used?
- Whether a license number is required?
- Whether certification remains valid?
This is particularly important
when multiple suppliers
are involved
in one finished retail product.
17. Sample Testing
Still Matters
Environmental positioning
does not replace
normal lash quality control.
Before approving production,
brands should still evaluate:
- Fiber softness
- Fiber color
- Curl consistency
- Length consistency
- Band flexibility
- Band comfort
- Left-right symmetry
- Fiber attachment
- Fit
- Packaging protection
If the product
is positioned as reusable,
reuse testing
should also form part
of sample evaluation.
18. Packaging Testing
Should Be Included
A lighter
or simplified package
still needs
to protect the product.
Brands should evaluate:
- Carton strength
- Tray protection
- Resistance to crushing
- Product movement during shipping
- Retail presentation
- Humidity exposure
- Print durability
A packaging material
with a better environmental profile
is not useful
if the product arrives damaged.
19. Quality Control
Must Cover Material Claims
If sustainability
is part of the product specification,
QC should not focus
only on appearance.
Production control
may also need to confirm:
- Correct fiber reference
- Correct band material
- Correct packaging paper
- Correct tray material
- Correct printing process
- Correct environmental labels
- Correct packaging claims
- Correct certification information
A material substitution
during a repeat order
may affect both
product performance
and marketing claims.
20. Repeat-Order Consistency
Is Especially Important
If a brand markets
a product based
on specific materials,
future production
should continue
to match those specifications.
Useful reference records
may include:
- Approved physical sample
- Fiber specification
- Band specification
- Packaging material specification
- Approved artwork
- Material documentation
- Supplier information
- QC photographs
If a supplier
needs to change a material,
the brand should review
the change
before the new batch
is approved.
21. Build the Collection
Around Verified Benefits
The strongest sustainability-focused
beauty products
do not need dozens
of environmental claims.
A clearer strategy
is to identify
a few meaningful,
verifiable improvements
and communicate them precisely.
For example,
a brand may decide
to focus on:
- Plant-derived lash fibers
- Reduced-plastic packaging
- Recycled paper carton
- Reusable strip lash construction
Another brand
may choose
a completely different combination.
The right specification
depends on:
- Target customer
- Target market
- Retail price
- Available materials
- Supplier capability
- Testing requirements
- Packaging requirements
22. What to Send a Manufacturer
Before Developing Samples
A clear development brief
will make supplier communication
much more efficient.
Brands should provide:
- Target market
- Target customer
- Desired lash style
- Required fiber direction
- Band preference
- Preferred environmental attributes
- Packaging requirements
- Claims the brand hopes to make
- Expected order quantity
- Retail positioning
- Reference products or samples
If the brand
has already selected
specific materials,
those material requirements
should be written
into the specification
before quotation.
23. Benchmark the Product Logic,
Not the Velour Brand
Velour’s Plant Fibre
and everGREEN products
are useful benchmarks
because they demonstrate
how a lash brand
can combine
material positioning,
lash design,
reusability
and sustainability communication
into a retail collection.
But a private label brand
should develop
its own answer
to the same market opportunity.
Independent development
may include:
- Different lash fiber
- Different lash mapping
- Different band
- Different packaging structure
- Different sustainability priorities
- Different testing standard
- Different brand identity
The objective
is to develop
a differentiated product,
not a visual copy
of an established brand.
Private Label Sustainable Lash Development
with Pingdu Lashes
Pingdu Lashes supports
beauty brands
with lash sourcing,
product development,
sample comparison,
private label packaging,
production coordination
and repeat-order quality control.
For brands exploring
plant-based fibers
or sustainability-focused
false lash collections,
we can help coordinate
available material options,
lash structures,
packaging directions
and sample development
with manufacturing partners.
Specific environmental claims
should only be used
after the relevant material
and supporting evidence
have been confirmed.
We do not recommend
printing broad claims
such as biodegradable,
recyclable,
plant-based
or eco-friendly
before confirming
exactly what the claim applies to
and whether it can be supported.
Our goal
is to help beauty brands
create a clearer product specification
so materials,
sampling,
packaging,
quality control
and repeat orders
can be managed
more consistently.
Explore our
Strip Lashes
,
learn more about our
Private Label & Custom Service
,
or
contact us
to discuss your next
false lash development project.
FAQ
Can I develop plant-based false lashes
under my own brand?
Potential plant-derived fiber
and packaging options
can be discussed
during product development.
The exact material composition,
available specifications
and supporting documentation
should be confirmed
before any final material claim
is printed on packaging.
Are plant-based lashes
automatically biodegradable?
No.
Plant-derived content
and biodegradability
are different characteristics.
The exact material,
percentage,
disposal conditions
and supporting evidence
should be reviewed
before making
a biodegradable claim.
Can I use
“eco-friendly lashes”
on my packaging?
Broad environmental claims
can be difficult to substantiate.
It is generally better
to communicate
specific verified attributes,
such as a defined
plant-derived material,
recycled-content carton
or reduced-plastic packaging.
Brands should also review
the environmental marketing rules
in their target market.
Can sustainable packaging
still be customized?
Yes.
Depending on material
and supplier availability,
private label development
may include
custom carton size,
brand logo,
printing,
product information,
barcodes
and other retail details.
The final material
and printing process
should be confirmed
before production.
Should I ask for material documents?
Yes,
especially if material composition
or environmental characteristics
will be used
as selling points.
Available documentation
depends on the supplier
and selected material.
Can I develop several styles
using the same sustainable material platform?
Yes.
Once a suitable material system
has been tested
and approved,
brands can develop
natural,
wispy,
cat-eye,
half-lash,
full-volume
or other styles
around the same collection concept.
Can you copy
Velour Plant Fibre lashes exactly?
The better approach
is to use successful products
as market benchmarks
and then create
an independent specification,
lash design,
packaging,
material strategy
and brand identity.
When should the packaging artwork
be finalized?
Packaging involving
environmental claims
should ideally be finalized
after material specifications
and supporting information
have been confirmed.
This reduces the risk
of printing claims
that the finished product
cannot support.
Benchmark note:
Velour and its related product
and collection names
are trademarks
of their respective owner.
They are referenced only
to discuss publicly observable
market positioning
and product-development logic.
Pingdu Lashes is not affiliated with
or endorsed by Velour.
