Responsible packaging is the realization that the Earth’s resources are limited and the circular economy is the solution to conserve them. Turning plastic packaging into a new raw material without becoming waste is a huge challenge for the packaging industry. This means rethinking the process of reducing the consumption of materials, whatever they may be, and improving the collection, sorting, reuse and, most importantly, recycling of cosmetic plastic packaging. It also means creating short, efficient circuits with minimal environmental impact.
Like many other major players in the cosmetics packaging industry, Albéa takes this approach and follows the Ellen MacArthur Foundation roadmap around five priorities: reducing material use, reducing weight, and eliminating problematic or unnecessary materials; design for reuse; offering recyclable products. packaging that is truly recyclable; reintegration of consumption; for example, using bio-based resins to eliminate as much of the feedstock as possible.
Ecodesign plays a key role in the transition to a circular economy for plastics. It’s a bit like a philosophy of life – for a product, it’s a rule based on a central question: how do you limit your environmental impact from design to end-of-life? In practice, many options have been adopted to this end: use as little material from fossil resources as possible, give priority to renewable resources, strictly adhere to the pace of renewal and reduce energy consumption.
Today, the main lever of the ecodesign approach is to reduce the weight of packaging by reducing the use of plastic. As a result, packaging suppliers are increasingly working on innovative solutions with less plastic. For Albéa, the first step in recent years has been the development of environmentally friendly lamp bases. The second step was taken earlier this year, combining technical challenge with innovation, with the EcoFusion Top, a 2-in-1 head + lid solution specifically designed to “visualize” material savings. The fusion of the tube heads reduces the weight of the tube by 55% compared to standard tubes, while equally reducing the impact of carbon on the packaging. The system is made of high density polyethylene, which guarantees a mono-material and recyclability. In addition, the 2-in-1 system offers various casing options for both laminated and extruded tubing.
As the latest example of a new product developed in collaboration with L’Oréal, Garnier’s eco-innovative Leave-In Conditioner combines Albéa’s unique cardboard tube with an EcoFusion Top cap to significantly reduce tube and cap weight. The solution offers consumers the perfect combination of compact packaging and environmental awareness, supporting a more sustainable lifestyle and new responsible consumption habits.
This new product is a prime example of how to reduce our environmental impact by reducing the amount of plastic used in the tube and cap, and by using specially formulated water. This breakthrough in sustainable packaging also demonstrates the future of sustainable packaging and products.
The cosmetic packaging industry is advancing a collective, collaborative journey to transform plastic packaging and combat climate change.
Post time: Dec-17-2022