Why We Choose Glass Jars for Tallow Skincare (and Skip Plastic & Tin)
In a world driven by convenience, packaging is often an afterthought. But when it comes to traditional ingredients like tallow, what holds the product matters almost as much as what’s inside.
At The Tallow Pantry, we choose amber glass jars — not because they’re fashionable, but because they make sense.
Let’s talk about plastic
Plastic is everywhere. It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to produce — but it isn’t an ideal home for natural fats.
Over time, oils and fats can interact with plastic, particularly in warmer conditions. Even food-grade plastics can absorb and release odours, meaning a beautifully rendered tallow can begin to carry a faint plastic note.
Then there’s the environmental reality. Plastic is rarely recycled efficiently, and much of it ends up in landfill. For a product rooted in simplicity and tradition, plastic felt like a compromise we didn’t want to make.
The tin temptation
Tin and aluminium containers have a certain charm. They’re light, stackable, and commonly used for balms.
But natural fats can react with metal over time, subtly affecting colour and aroma. To prevent this, many tins are lined — often with synthetic coatings or plastic-based barriers. For a product marketed as “natural,” that hidden layer can feel at odds with the intention.
Why glass wins
Amber glass offers quiet protection. It shields tallow from light exposure, doesn’t absorb or leach odours, and remains completely non-reactive with natural fats.
It’s also endlessly recyclable — and easy to reuse at home. While we don’t yet offer a refill or return program, glass jars lend themselves naturally to repurposing, whether for storage, refilling, or everyday household use. As a small-batch brand, we make decisions carefully — and any future reuse system needs to be genuinely practical and sustainable.
Old wisdom, modern consciousness
Long before plastic became the default, pantries and apothecaries were lined with glass. Not out of nostalgia, but because it worked.
Choosing glass isn’t about trend-following. It’s about respecting the ingredient, the process, and the longevity of the product itself.
Because what holds your tallow matters just as much as the tallow inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does The Tallow Pantry use glass jars instead of plastic?
Glass is non-reactive, won’t absorb odours, and helps preserve the texture and aroma of natural fats like tallow.
Are tin containers suitable for tallow?
Tin and aluminium can react with natural fats unless lined. Many linings contain synthetic coatings, which can undermine the simplicity of a traditional product.
Is glass more sustainable than plastic?
Glass is endlessly recyclable and easier to reuse at home. While no packaging is perfect, glass aligns best with our values of longevity and our approach to sustainability.
Do you offer a jar return or refill program?
Not at this stage. As a small-batch brand, we’re mindful of what’s genuinely sustainable. A refill option is something we’d love to explore in the future when it can be done well.
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