With the support of the Fraunhofer IVV, Beiersdorf and Werner & Mertz have developed a standard concept for cosmetics packaging made from used plastic. This is the first time the partners have offered guidance for the industry.
The founding company of the Recyclate Initiative, Werner & Mertz, and the cosmetics group Beiersdorf have entered into a co-operation. Together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging (IVV), they have developed a Foundation for the use of mechanically recycled used plastic for cosmetics packaging.
Challenges with the Use of recyclate in cosmetics packaging
To date, there has been great uncertainty in the cosmetics market, both among manufacturers and recycling companies, about the use of so-called Post-consumer recyclates (PCR) in cosmetics packaging. According to Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, manufacturers are generally only allowed to place safe products on the market. The conditions under which recycled material may be used are not defined there. Hence the uncertainty, whether and in what form recycled material fulfils the safety criteria corresponds to.
Werner & Mertz had already advanced the development of reprocessing processes for HDPE in a long-term project with partners and demonstrated that a Safe use of HDPE recyclate for rinse-off products - products that are used for body cleansing - is possible.
Beiersdorf is the market leader in the skincare sector with the well-known brands Nivea and Eucerin. The company recently set itself ambitious targets for the recyclability of its packaging. First products with recycled content in plastic bottles are already on the market
„In our endeavours to further increase the proportion of recycled material in our plastic packaging, we as manufacturers are faced with the challenge that suppliers are inadequately prepared for our material requirements. It quickly became clear that we needed to provide support in the development of high-quality recyclates, especially in the definition of quality requirements. Werner & Mertz had already done excellent groundwork in this area. Together we then developed the idea further and laid the foundations for a cosmetics standard.“ Michael Becker, Head of Global Packaging Development, Beiersdorf AG
Clear recommendations for the use of used plastic
To help the industry More safety and clarity with regard to the use of used plastic in cosmetics packaging Werner & Mertz and Beiersdorf, in cooperation with Dr Frank Welle from the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, have compiled an inventory of existing recyclates on the European market. This provides significant transparency about the existing recycling processes, the available recyclate qualities and the material properties.
By comparing this with the requirements for cosmetics packaging, the cooperation partners were able to define a standard for the first time. It provides answers to the most important questions that help recycling companies and manufacturers. Recyclers find out what the quality situation is like from the perspective of the cosmetics industry. They receive information on how high-quality processing of used plastic for cosmetics packaging can be achieved and what quality is required to fulfil the industry's requirements.
Designing packaging for the circular economy
According to the findings of the study, the cosmetics industry should design plastic packaging in such a way that it is made of high-quality material. This can then be reintroduced into the cycle. The Thoughts on the ability to circulate must also be taken into account when designing the packaging. The use of mono-materials instead of composite materials plays an important role here. Sustainable printing inks, removable labels and the easy separability of packaging components in the recycling process also contribute to recyclability.
„With our joint work, we have proven that mechanical recycling is a viable option for high-quality secondary raw materials. Our findings are forward-looking and should give all stakeholders more certainty. If many companies follow our example, demand will be generated, which in turn will accelerate investment in processing plants and make the recurring use of used plastic economical. This will not only benefit the companies, but above all our environment. In Beiersdorf, we have found a strong co-operation partner who shares our vision of industry-wide use of recyclate.“ Property Sander, Head of Packaging Development, Werner & Mertz
The findings from the analysis will be published at the beginning of autumn 2020 by the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging published.
[infotext icon]Werner & Mertz GmbH has been represented at the Mainz site for over 150 years and has established itself as an innovative company on the European market with its Frosch, emsal and greencare Professional brands. The company has EMAS-validated production sites in Mainz and Hallein, Austria. Werner & Mertz works according to the principles of environmentally friendly business practices. The goal: to make a sustainable way of life acceptable to the majority[/infotext].Source: Werner & Mertz GmbH
