Certified circular: Aptar launches “world’s first” recycled plastic cosmetics packaging
27 May 2020 --- Aptar Beauty + Home has developed what it markets as the world’s first certified recycled plastic beauty packaging. The global player in packaging and dispensing systems for the cosmetics industry also announced that the launch is certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) and used in the relaunch of beauty brand REN Clean Skincare’s moisturizer, Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream.
Packaged in an eco-designed airless bottle, it is the first global launch in the cosmetic industry to use recycled plastic made of certified circular polymer, according to Aptar.
REN Clean Skincare and Aptar peg themselves as the “pioneers” of using material from this revolutionary type of recycled plastic resin. The material is supplied by SABIC, a significant player in the production and distribution of polymers and thermoplastic materials. 
SABIC claims to have perfected the difficult challenge of converting post-consumer, low grade plastic waste otherwise destined for incineration or landfill into virgin plastic, which has been audited and approved by the ISCC according to a mass balance approach.
Plastics circularity advancements
As anti-plastic sentiment continues to grow, becoming a cross industry phenomenon, major players are seeking more environmentally sustainable packaging practises and materials. Even though plastic is vilified by many, an eco-friendly route in using the material is making it recyclable by design. Earlier this year, and in collaboration with PackagingInsights, Innova Market Insights unveiled its Top Packaging Trends for 2020, with “The Language of Environmental Sustainability” identified as this year’s leading trend.REN Clean Skincare has used the packaging for the relaunch of its Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream.
Packaged in an eco-designed airless bottle, it is the first global launch in the cosmetic industry to use recycled plastic made of certified circular polymer, according to Aptar.
Furthermore, to help industry take a more eco-friendly approach, the British Plastics Federation (BPF) in conjunction with the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) released new guidelines on including recycled content in packaging. The guidelines concede that, under current regulations and technical constraints, it is not possible at this time to incorporate recycled materials in many types of plastic packaging owing to the rigorous safety requirements currently in place to protect human health.
In the same arena, UK waste management specialist Viridor and chemical recycling pioneers PLASTIC ENERGY signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a feasibility project to convert hard-to-recycle plastics such as films into recycled oils (TACOIL).
The trifecta of circularity
The integration of the “regenerated plastic” in the packaging is the result of the partnership between Aptar, SABIC and REN Clean Skincare, each responsible for a key link in the value chain, according to the companies.
Experts in airless packaging at Aptar’s plant in Villingen, Germany, were tasked with developing the product’s packaging using SABIC’s new circular certified plastic for all the polypropylene parts. The Villingen site has received the ISCC PLUS certification, which guarantees the traceability of the raw material used for packaging injection. It certifies that the material has been used in compliance with ISCC PLUS standards, which ensures a reduction of virgin material use.
This plastic is compliant for use as packaging for both food and cosmetics, and is of a quality that is equal to virgin plastic in terms of visual aspects like transparency, brightness, decorative possibilities and flexibility. The bottle is recyclable at end of life thanks to Aptar’s expertise in single material airless packaging, and has been approved for recyclability by the Technical Committee for the Recycling of Plastic Packaging (COTREP). In addition, it has a very high product restitution rate, with practically no loss of the formula.
Aptar is an active member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s CE100 Network. Aptar has also committed to reducing its impact on the planet while creating top quality, environmentally sustainable products.
Edited by Kristiana Lalou
