Plastic free July: Homegrown brands that use plastic-free packaging

Sangolda Summer, deodorant balm by Kuva. Pic/Kuva

Even with coronavirus dominating the headlines this past year, natural calamities such as hurricanes, floods, and forest fires captured the world's attention owing to the widespread damage caused. The pandemic has only further magnified the concerns around climate change, leading to an unprecedented shift towards conscious consumption.

Social media has also played a huge part in promoting awareness and influencing behaviour with global campaigns such as #secondhandseptember and #plasticfreejuly encouraging consumers to eliminate plastic waste by reducing consumption and opting for sustainable products. We have rounded up a few homegrown brands that offer everyday personal care products that come in eco-friendly packaging.

Kuva Botanicals

This small family-owned brand offers natural skincare products that have been handcrafted in Goa. With a focus on providing affordable and earth friendly products, traditional ingredients such as kokum butter and coconut oil are used. Their natural Deodorant balms (INR 350), packed with oils and butters, are baking soda free and come in lip-balm style packaging. These creamy balms, available in multiple variant (lemongrass and ginger, unscented, and lavender and lemon) not only moisturise your underarms but also keep body odour at bay. They offer sample packaging if you wish to try their body soaps (INR 200 for 5 mini soaps) or balms (INR 50 for 10 grams).

Log onto instamojo.com/kuvabotanicals

Kaura

A personal care brand that believes that packaging and product performance need not be mutually exclusive, Kaura offers a range of skincare and haircare products. Their Solid Shampoo Bars (INR 549) cater to varying issues from dandruff to hair fall. Other interesting products include French pink clay and peppermint Glow Mask (INR 399), Dreamy Cloud Rainbow Bath Bomb (INR 359), and Lavender Whipped Soap (INR 249).

Log onto kauraindia.in

Coco Custo

While we don't directly apply detergent to our bodies, it is a product of everyday consumption which we are in constant contact with. The emerging brand offers an all natural laundry detergent (INR 350) which is non-toxic and contains no parabens or SLS. Made from organic coconuts, plant based boosters, natural minerals, and certified organic oils, the detergent is completely biodegradable and is ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies. The three variants available are Ocean Breeze, Unscented, and Spa Day.

Log onto cococusto.com

The Woman's Company

As the name suggests, this company is for women but also by women. The eco-conscious brand offers female intimate hygiene and menstrual wellness products. Be it their Tampons with biodegradable applicator (INR 599) or Day Pad (IN 279) made from certified organic cotton, all products are environment friendly. With reusable and sustainable products such as the Menstrual Cup (INR 550), made from medical-grade silicone, and Bamboo Razor (INR 800), made of natural bamboo, The Woman's Company effectively helps reduce waste in all forms.

Log onto: thewomanscompany.com

Bare Necessities

The driving objective behind the brand is to encourage consumers to make sustainable choices by offering ethically sourced zero-waste products. The brand offers a range of personal care, lifestyle, and homecare products, from straws to lip balms. If you wish to find your way through the zero-waste lifestyle but are overwhelmed at the thought, you can check out their curated starter kits. Their Travel kit (INR 700) consists of stainless steel straw and cleaning brush, compostable bamboo toothbrush, and a spork (a spoon and fork hybrid) while the Bare Hair kit (INR 499) comes with dry shampoo and a neem wood comb.

Log onto: barenecessities.in