HELSINKI, Finland\u2013An award-winning material innovation startup, Sulapac, has launched Sulapac \u00ae Luxe, a new bio-based material ideal for substituting hard plastics, including ABS, as part of its expanded portfolio for cosmetics and beauty packaging. The new material comes in response to demands from the beauty industry\u2019s leading brands for more environmentally conscious packaging solutions that still offer high-end luxury feel, function, and aesthetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOne major challenge beauty brands face in replacing conventional plastics is the strict performance criteria of the chosen materials,\u201d says Colin Strobant, International Sales Director at Sulapac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith Sulapac\u00ae Luxe, we have shown that conventional plastics can be easily replaced without compromising on quality. We have listened to our customers\u2019 challenges, and the material has been through an extensive development process to ensure it stands up to the highest demands for luxury performance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High density, resistant to temperature fluctuations, ceramic feel and sound, and a glossy, smooth surface are some of the material\u2019s characteristics, which are important for luxury brands. Sulapac\u00ae Luxe is not only recyclable, but as all Sulapac materials, it can also be made with recycled content, another feature important for many premium brands, according to Strobant. \u201cSulapac is a pioneer in recycled bio-based materials and our aim is to use only recycled biopolymers within the next 5 years ,\u201d says Sulapac\u2019s CEO and Co-founder Dr. Suvi Haimi. Sulapac\u00ae Luxe is made from industrially compostable materials, it leaves no permanent microplastics or toxic load behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several high-end beauty brands have already shown interest in utilizing Sulapac\u00ae Luxe in combination with their existing glass fragrance bottles or jars. The material is commercially available to all manufacturers and slips seamlessly into existing injection molding production lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sustainable solutions for various applications and manufacturing technologies<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the expanded portfolio Sulapac\u2019s customers can now create packaging for various product areas including skincare, makeup, and fragrances. Shiseido\u2019s brand Ul\u00e9 utilizes Sulapac\u00ae for their lids, while a diverse group of skincare brands from Lumene to Manik package their products in Sulapac\u00ae jars. The selection of materials and production techniques allows brands to choose between a matt, glossy, or natural appearance complimented with a wide range of color options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The successful launch of the BetterBarrel by Schwan Cosmetics last year, and Toly\u2019s popular Infinity Line of powder compacts made with Sulapac\u00ae further demonstrate the versatility of Sulapac\u2019s offering. Sulapac has also developed premium quality solutions in collaboration with CHANEL, including sustainable bottle caps created exclusively for the fragrance range LES EAUX DE CHANEL and the lid for the N\u00b0 1 de CHANEL Cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides materials for injection molding and extrusion, Sulapac\u2019s portfolio includes solutions for thermoforming allowing cosmetic companies to create sustainable logistic trays and point-of-sale displays, as well as for 3D printing enabling sustainable prototyping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regulation and ambitious sustainability targets urge brands to switch to biobased, circular solutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Demand for sustainable solutions is accelerating rapidly, as companies are actively seeking alternatives for certain conventional plastics widely used in cosmetics packaging, including thermoset materials. They are unrecyclable and thus potentially subject to restrictions by European Commission\u2019s upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). There are also upcoming country specific restrictions for certain materials, such as ABS, that push companies towards more sustainable solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are happy to see the positive movement within the cosmetic sector as more and more brands are turning away from conventional plastic. Our job is to make this transition as easy and beneficial as possible \u2013 for brands, their customers, and the environment\u201d, says Haimi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn Sulapac materials the pioneering sustainability features, circularity, functionality, and aesthetics come together in a unique way enabling our cosmetic customers to meet their sustainability goals and regulative requirements while fostering a high-end image and exquisite customer experience,\u201d concludes Strobant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n