Japanese innovators give refillable lotion a light push

27 Aug 2020 --- Japanese chemical and cosmetics company Kao Corporation (Kao) has developed the Raku-raku Switch, which dispenses a fixed amount of liquid contents with one light push. The pump dispenser alternative is designed for use with the film-type Raku-raku Eco Pack Refill, which reduces plastic use by approximately 50 percent compared to plastic bottles with a pump dispenser. The Raku-raku Switch will launch on September 19, 2020, with the Bioré u The Body – Body Lotion for Wet Skin brand.

The Raku-raku Switch launch is integral to Kao’s ambitions to eliminate plastic bottles as part of its Environmental, Social and Corporate (ESC) strategy. In the spirit of a zero-waste and circular economy, Kao partnered with TerraCycle to create a program that allows consumers to recycle packaging.

The switch attaches to the opening of the plastic film Raku-raku Eco Pack Refill. In the middle of the dispenser spout is a soft, dome-shaped button, which releases a fixed amount of liquid. The design also prevents air and water from entering the pack even while the contents are being dispensed, maintaining hygiene.The Raku-raku Switch dispenses a fixed amount of liquid contents with one light push (Image credit: Kao).

Kao has targeted plastic waste by making its plastic packaging thinner, promoting refill solutions, making products more concentrated and product sizes larger. For example, in April 2020, Kao launched the Air-in Film Bottle with MyKirei in the US. The Air-in Film Bottle uses three layers of film with air pockets that fill with air to create a rigid body that can stand up like a bottle. Compared with conventional plastic bottles, the Air-in Film Bottle reduces plastic use by approximately 50 percent, KAO indicates. The design also allows the liquid contents to be completely used up.

Moreover, Kao launched the Smart Holder in 2017, eliminating the need to refill a bottle container. The solution can and the Smart Holder can be used again and again. In 2016, Kao introduced the plastic film Raku-raku Eco Pack Refill. Compared with bottle containers, the Raku-raku Eco Pack Refill can reduce plastic use by approximately 80 percent, the company reports. The CO2 emissions produced in the stages from manufacturing through use and disposal are also reportedly reduced by approximately 80 percent.The Smart Holder with the Raku-raku Eco Pack Refill (left), and the Air-in Film Bottle (right) (Image credit: Kao).

Personal care paper-based packaging innovation is also on the rise. Packaging and décor materials player Toppan Printing developed a paper tube-pouch that reduces the use of plastic in cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals by over 50 percent. Similarly, L’Oréal brand La Roche-Posay achieved a global first in May by packaging its Anthelios sunscreen in a cardboard tube in France.

Kao announced in 2018 that it would procure Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified materials as part of its efforts to support sustainable forest resources in collaboration with six other Japanese companies. Kao committed to changing the paper and pulp used in its consumer products, packaging, and office paper to recycled or sustainably sourced versions by 2020. The personal care player’s portfolio includes the brands: Attack, Bioré, Goldwell, Jergens, John Frieda, Kanebo, Laurier, Merries and Molton Brown.

Edited by Joshua Poole