Suppliers are at the heart of the beauty industry, creating packaging innovations that not only keep products safe and well-contained but also can make a change and pave the path for a more sustainable future. Recently, Somater teamed up with Pylote and SIMP to create a refillable, antimicrobial mascara. In a breakthrough for beauty packaging, scientists at the University of East Anglia (EAU) in Norwich, England, introduced technology that replicates confetti and solidifies liquids. Here’s what else has been happening on the supply side:
Gerresheimer x Medicos Beauty Group: The German-based glass manufacturer, Gerresheimer, partnered with plastic innovators, the Medicos Beauty Group, to develop a clickable refill jar system. The new offering utilizes Gerresheimer's Gx-CyClic reusable glass jar and Medicos' Re-CliCK plastic inner and closure technology, which allows easy inserting and clicking into place that stays put when opening and closing the product's cap. The collaboration will be available as part of the standard products offered from both groups. However, all aspects of the refill packaging can be customized with the option of embellishments, painting, mattifying, and more. The glass jar is made from 40% post-consumer recycled plastic and is entirely recyclable after use.
Somater: The French suppliers have partnered with Pylote and SIMP to reveal a prototype for refillable and antimicrobial mascara. The product uses Somater's patented Click, Turn, and Apply (CTA) technology and an antimicrobial brush in a container that promotes hygiene and ease of use. Plyote's knowledge of mineral chemistry and SIMP's expertise in mascara brush manufacturing were used to develop a metal-free, nanoparticle-free, antimicrobial wand and brush. The brush was tested in an independent laboratory using Plyote technology. After 24 hours, bacteria along the stem and brush was reduced and 99.999% of the bacteria on the surface and stem had disappeared. Not only does the innovation create an opportunity for cleaner beauty packaging and more sustainable packaging, it also helps to reduce plastic waste by 30% compared to similar non-refillable options. In addition, the new packaging is fully recyclable and customizable, with the option of a traditional opening system.
Tesa: The adhesive solution provider has revealed tesa 51344, a paper-based tear tape for shipping boxes that aims to improve recyclability by eliminating the need for separate adhesive tapes. The product was created to avoid mixing plastic adhesive tapes with paper waste streams, which often contributes to interrupted and slower recycling processes. The new tape is created with a paper backing combined with high-tack adhesive that has the capacity to bond together large amounts of recycled and recyclable packaging. The product has passed multiple application tests with different types of cardboard. In addition, consumers can request further testing to determine how the tape interacts with their specific packaging materials.
University of East Anglia: Scientists at EAU have developed a way to turn moisturizers with a cream texture into a paper-like material that can be rehydrated to its original state when required. The process removes oil and water from beauty products such as creams, shampoos, etc. and creates flat disks resembling confetti that can be reconstructed with a small amount of water. This process is called electrospinning and removes up to 98% of the water. The technology was initially created for pharmaceuticals, however, it has since been made a priority for beauty and skincare due to its capabilities to reduce packaging waste and, in turn, carbon footprints. The researchers at EAU have partnered with technology company PBL to commercialize their patent-pending formulas in the hopes of capturing the attention of beauty giants.
Sulapac: The supplier has launched Sulapac Luxe, a sustainable material created for luxury fragrance caps. The material is bio-based and recommended as an alternative to hard plastics such as ABS. Sulapac Luxe is resistant to temperature fluctuations and has a ceramic feel with a glossy and luxurious finish. The product is recyclable, created from recycled content, and can be used with existing fragrance bottles and jars. According to Sulapac’s CEO and co-founder, Dr. Suvi Haimi, Sulapac Luxe is one of many upcoming products that uses recycled biopolymers. Sulapac plans to develop all of its products with this technology within five years. Sulapac Luxe is created with industrially compostable materials that leave no permanent microplastics or toxic substances behind.
