The Finnish start-up Sulapac has developed a bio-based barrier material for the packaging of water-based cosmetic products that leaves no lasting microplastics after biodegradation.
Although water-based emulsions account for around 90 per cent of the cosmetics market, according to Sulapac there have not yet been any Packaging alternative for water-based products, which biodegrade without leaving any lasting microplastic residue. The company has now developed a patent-pending material for these cosmetics.
The Sulapac barrier is not only 100 per cent sustainable, it also fulfils the industry standard requirements. The acceptable weight loss for cosmetic packaging is typically less than 3 per cent. For the Sulapac barrier, a loss of 1.3 per cent was measured over 12 weeks at 40 °C in a four-part Sulapac jar with emulsion.
„I am thrilled that we have succeeded in developing a sustainable barrier that is suitable for water-based products. The development and extensive testing has taken longer than expected, but now it is finally official: we are delighted to be able to offer this innovation to our customers together with industry leaders such as Quadpack.“ Dr Suvi Haimi, CEO and co-founder of Sulapac
Currently announces Sulapac also offers a new flexible material that has been developed for thin-walled crucibles with good impact resistance. Thanks to Eco-design, climate-friendly raw materials and cost-effective mass production it has a low ecological footprint. In combination with the Sulapac barrier, the company's partners offer a product range of jars in various sizes for oil- and water-based cosmetics. They also provide support throughout the entire process to deliver the complete package.
Cosmetic packaging without microplastic residues
„The new barrier developed by Sulapac enables us to continue to offer sustainable innovations that meet and exceed market requirements. Quadpack is pleased to offer an ever-growing product programme with Sulapac material for all cosmetic brands to be able to offer“, says Pierre Antoine Henry, Head of Categories at Quadpack, Sulapac's preferred partner for cosmetics.
Sulapac has ensured that the changeover from conventional plastics is as simple as possible. The material can be as a drop-in solution can be mass-produced with the existing plastic systems. It is also characterised by its natural appearance and pleasant feel.
The ideal recycling process for products made from Sulapac material is currently industrial composting. It biodegrades without leaving any lasting microplastics. Mechanical and chemical recycling are also viable options, and Sulapac is also developing a closed-loop system. The Take Back Sulapac pilot project will be launched in the near future.
[infotext icon]Sulapac was founded in 2016 by Dr Suvi Haimi, Dr Laura Tirkkonen-Rajasalo and Dr Antti Pärssinen. According to Wired UK, the company is one of the 100 most promising start-ups in Europe.Quadpack is an international manufacturer and supplier of packaging solutions for cosmetics brands and contract fillers. With offices and production facilities in Europe, the USA and the Asia-Pacific region and a strategic network of production partners, Quadpack develops tailor-made and customised packaging for the prestige, masstige and mass markets. [/infotext]
SourceSulapac
