Cosmetics and Personal Hygiene Primary Plastic Packaging Waste Dataset

This database contains a comprehensive dataset presenting the characterization of post-consumer cosmetics and personal hygiene packaging waste (CPHPW) collected via a company-managed retail take-back system in Denmark.In total, the dataset covers 6,503 individual primary plastic packaging samples (823 unique packaging types from 227 brands) representing approximately 270 kg of waste collected from 72 retail stores. Each sample was analysed following a four-tiered classification scheme: Tier I – brand ownership; Tier II – packaging design (primary container and closure type); Tier III – product content; and Tier IV – container colour. The physical measurements relevant to recyclability, quantified total wet and dry weight, residual content, and component weights (e.g., container, closure, pump, labels).The dataset is organized into three Excel sheets: 1) <i>S1 – Packaging design</i>, containing standardized codes and descriptions for container and closure types; 2) <i>S2 – Characterization tiers</i>, defining the four-tiered classification system; and 3) <i>S3 – Waste characterization</i>, containing the main dataset with raw measurements, calculated statistics (mean and standard deviation), and classification fields. An overview of the structure of the three Excel sheets is provided in <i>CPHP_READ ME</i>.The database enables sample-level, category-level, and cross-tier analyses. It can be used to assess packaging recyclability, identify high-residue formats, model collection and recycling flows, and inform circular design strategies. While data reflect conditions in Denmark, the classification framework and measurement approach are transferable to other geographical contexts.