Innisfree ‘Paper Bottle’ Have a Plastic Bottle Hidden Under the Paper; Customers Enraged at the Misleading Packaging


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It appears that cat-fishing has extended to the cosmetic industry.

After all, how else could you possibly explain a scenario where a plastic bottle terms itself as a paper bottle?

Innisfree ‘Paper Bottle’ Have a Plastic Bottle Hidden Under the Paper; Customers Enraged at the Misleading Packaging

According to The Korean HeraldInnisfree’s eco-friendly “paper bottle” has been called out for possible misrepresentation.

That is because it’s not, in actuality, a paper bottle as it claims. Instead, it’s a plastic bottle.

Undeniably, irrefutably, plastic.

Image: Facebook (No Plastic Shopping)

As such, Netizens have been nothing short of outraged over the revelation, with some accusing Innisfree of “greenwashing”.

As its name implies, greenwashing is a variation of the popular term “brainwashing”, and is commonly used to indicate a marketing process that hypes a product as more environmentally friendly than it really is.

Some have also conveyed a sense of betrayal in the news.

“I felt betrayed when finding out that the paper bottle product was a plastic bottle,” the post read.

Apparently, a user has since filed an official complaint in regards to the product’s misleading label.

Acknowledgement

Following the widespread backlash, Innisfree has since stepped out to clarify the news.

They also acknowledged that the title may indeed be misleading.

However, they were quick to identify it as a case of unintentional misrepresentation, rather than the alternative.

“We used the term ‘paper bottle’ to explain the role of the paper label surrounding the bottle,” Innisfree said in a statement.

“We overlooked the possibility that the naming could mislead people to think the whole packaging is made of paper. We apologize for failing to deliver information in a precise way,” the brand said.

It also stated that the bottle is environmentally friendly, as it’s recyclable and eco-friendly.


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Apparently, it uses 51.8 per cent less plastic than those in the market.

The packaging also supposedly comes with information on the separation and recycling processes.

However, it appears that the defensive-sounding explanation, coupled with a late response, have proved insufficient in getting Innisfree out of this particular pinch.

“Many of those who chose the given product were trying to reduce harmful impacts to the environment,” said the consumer who lodged the complaint.

“I feel that (the company) took advantage of them (through misleding marketing).”


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Not Entirely Misrepresentation

It should be noted, however, that Innisfree Singapore had posted a video on the limited edition “Green Tea Seed Serum Paper Bottle” back in August 2020.

In the 4-second clip, the plastic interior can be clearly seen.

And though a few Netizens were not keen on the misleading title…

Image: Facebook (innisfree Singapore)

Innisfree had clarified that the iteration was no normal plastic bottle.

Image: Facebook (innisfree Singapore)

With this latest episode of backlash, however, perhaps Innisfree should have reconsidered their naming strategy for this one.


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“Half plastic” or “light plastic”, for instance, would probably have cleared up a lot of confusion and hatred.

Innisfree

Controversial misrepresentations aside, Innisfree is also responsible for its own line of camo cream, which you can actually get for your outfield ‘adventure’.

Termed as the Extreme Power Camo Cream, it supposedly comes with its own Extreme Power facial cleanser.

Image: Facebook (innisfree Singapore)

Here’s hoping that the Extreme Power Camo Cream doesn’t actually turn out to be one on the other end of the spectrum.

Just kidding, we still love you Innisfree.


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Featured Image: Facebook (No Plastic Shopping)