Holmen Iggesund and Yangi partner to develop bio-based packaging solutions for beauty

22 Dec 2022 --- Premium paperboard company Holmen Iggesund is entering a long-term agreement with Yangi, a dry-forming technology pioneer, to explore the opportunities of bio-based and renewable packaging for the cosmetic and beauty industry.

The partners will focus on replacing rigid plastics with alternative renewable materials for beauty and cosmetics packaging, such as refills, inserts, testers and other types of applications within the segment.

The collaboration was initiated and will be facilitated by FutureLab & Partners, a tech accelerator company that enables the shift from non-renewable materials to renewable ones through collaborative development projects with cosmetics and beauty brands.

Holmen Iggesund will supply fiber-based material while Yangi brings its dry-forming technology and commits additional R&D resources to further develop current and future solutions for packaging producers and brands.

“There’s a real sense of urgency to make packaging ever more sustainable and purposeful, and at Holmen Iggesund, we see the benefits of working with others to solve challenges faster,” says Hein van den Reek, director future packaging.

The collaboration’s focus will be on replacing rigid plastics with alternative renewable materials for beauty and cosmetics packaging.“The collaboration is aimed at helping beauty, and cosmetics brands deliver what their customers are demanding – sustainable packaging. Holmen Iggesund is interested in the latest ideas and potential new opportunities for purposeful packaging solutions, such as our Conic concept, launched in 2021.”

Eco-conscious consumers
According to Innova Market Insights, personal care packaging is becoming more environmentally sustainable. Manufacturers are launching products that include using post-consumer-recycled, biodegradable and compostable materials and refillable packaging. Overall, launches with ethical packaging claims saw an annual increase of 34% (CAGR (Global) Jul 2017 to Jun 2022).

Elaborating on the relevance of the collaboration, the two companies share that consumers are increasingly holding brands accountable to deliver on their sustainability promises and are, now more than ever, making purchase decisions based on environmental impact.

“Delivering sustainable solutions that eliminate fossil fuels and reduce the carbon footprint of a brand’s packaging can make or break brand loyalty,” says Anna Altner, founder of Yangi.Hein van den Reek, director future packaging at Holmen Iggesund, and Johann Kaiser, CEO at Yangi (Image Credit: Yangi).

“Our dry forming technology offers a unique possibility to move into more resource- and cost-efficient renewable and recyclable packaging. The collaboration enables a stronger offer, connecting the packaging value chain from raw material to final packaging.”

Choosing suitable materials for packaging is an effective way for brands to reduce climate impact. Yet, the companies highlight that providing high-quality packaging to consumers is an ongoing journey that presents many opportunities as well as challenges.

“What works today will not necessarily be enough to sustain the world tomorrow,” the companies illustrate.

“Innovation through collaboration can help pave the way to a more sustainable future, and Yangi and Holmen Iggesund are looking beyond the horizon and joining forces to explore innovative sustainable packaging solutions.”

Edited by Radhika Sikaria