Chanel launches makeup powder in rPET compact by Texen to “redefine sustainable luxury”
08 Jul 2022 --- Chanel is launching its makeup powder, Les Beiges Maxi Poudre Belle Mine Ensoleillée, in food-grade recycled PET (rPET) packaging by Texen. The packaging supplier says the 10 cm x 10 cm compact packaging remains faithful to the object’s design codes and conforms to the House of Chanel’s requirements.
Texen explains that it is important to be attentive to the aesthetics and eco-design of this thin-walled compact, especially taking the technical constraints of the raw material into account. The compact features a hinge that was particularly difficult to assemble.
Industrial capability and rebuilding conventional logistics capabilities were part of the process, and the company explains that this optimization work covered the entire value chain. It began with the sourcing of recycled material and ended with the group’s investment in BESST technology: Beauty Experience Sensation Surface by Texen.
The company says it invested 18 months into R&D to solve these challenges.
The companies say they have a mutual desire to “redefine sustainable luxury.”Materials matter
For this product, Chanel insisted on using food-grade rPET. A spokesperson at Texen elaborates to PackagingInsights on the benefits of this material by saying that it “guarantees consumer safety and the stability of cosmetic formulas.”
“The transformation and finishing of rPET require the mastery of processes specific to this recycled material. Second life is only possible under certain conditions that protect the material from thermal degradation and recrystallization.”
Texen explains that BESST technology was leveraged for the development of this product.
Technology for luxury
BESST technology allows for the refinement of the material. It optimizes the manufacturing of ultra-thin parts and gives them a glossy finish for a “premium aesthetic.”
The Texen Lab elucidates that this technology resolves the many constraints linked to working with recycled materials, one of which is keeping the material fluid to create the perfect pack.
The company has dedicated equipment for creating prototypes of the compact that resemble previous industrial models, and was able to adapt the traditional design with the help of Chanel. The team overcame industrial strictures, particularly those related to the object’s unusual format and bi-injection incorporating recycled content.
Thanks to the mutual desire to “redefine sustainable luxury,” the companies say, they were able to overcome these obstacles with perseverance.
The compact features a hinge that was particularly difficult to assemble.
A helping hand
The spokesperson explains the environmental sustainability aims that drove this project with Chanel. “We have identified the ecological transition as a key priority for the development of this compact and are continuing our mission “to virtuously transform materials into experiences.”
“Texen has adopted a continuous improvement approach for all of its CSR priorities since 2021 and aims to be a major player in the eco-transition for cosmetic packaging.”
Texen’s beauty involvements
In other developments, skincare brand Biotherm by L’Oréal has launched a line of products featuring recycled PP caps developed by its long-time partner, Texen. The “new material” reportedly takes decoration well and offers a visually appealing final product.
The packaging company emphasized the importance of visual experience for consumers and highlighted that the caps are hot-stamped across their entire surface without any overlap. This reportedly has been a design challenge when working with PP or similar materials.
By Mieke Meintjes
