Sulapac unveils compostable materials for fragrance bottle caps as circular beauty proliferates

07 Mar 2023 --- Material innovation start-up Sulapac is launching two versions of a bio-based material suitable for fragrance bottle caps. The move comes in response to rising beauty industry demands for environmentally conscious packaging.

The Sulapac Luxe and Sulapac Luxe Flex material can substitute hard plastics while offering a “high-end luxury feel, function and aesthetics,” the start-up shares.

“Sulapac Luxe is made of sustainably sourced biodegradable biopolymers and wood flour and ideal for fragrance bottle caps, lids and cosmetic jars,” Sulapac CEO and co-founder Dr. Suvi Haimi tells PackagingInsights.

“Meanwhile, Sulapac Luxe Flex comes without the wood component. As the name indicates, it is a bit more flexible and more ductile edition – ideal not only for caps and lids but also for compact powder boxes.”

The material is characteristically high-density and resistant to temperature fluctuations. It has a ceramic feel and sound and a glossy, smooth surface. Sulapac Luxe and Luxe Flex are touted as recyclable and can also be made with recycled content.

Sulapac is launching an environmentally sustainable material for the luxury cosmetics sector.“One major challenge beauty brands face in replacing conventional plastics is the strict performance criteria of the chosen materials,” says Colin Strobant, international sales director at Sulapac.

“With Sulapac Luxe, we have shown that conventional plastics can be easily replaced without compromising quality. We have listened to our customer’s challenges and the material has been through an extensive development process to ensure it stands up to the highest demands for luxury performance.”

Aesthetic consciousness
Global market researcher Innova Market Insights identified “Renewable rebellion” as this year’s third-leading packaging trend. 

“Fluctuations in the prices of oil and gas, which act as substrates for manufacturing polymers, is likely to provide an impetus for companies to further explore bioplastics and packaging solutions made from renewable sources such as paper,” shared Akhil Eashwar Aiyar, projects leader at Innova Market Insights.

“Policymakers in certain countries have already set initiatives in place, bifurcating their waste streams to prepare for the eventual influx of bioplastic solutions and prevent the adulteration of existing polymer recycling streams.”

In a nod to the rising demand for environmentally sustainable solutions, Sulapac details that companies actively seek alternatives for conventional plastics widely used in cosmetic packaging, including thermoset materials. Sulapac Luxe is a bio-based material ideal for substituting hard plastics, including ABS.

“The luxury brands have very specific requirements in terms of the look and feel of the materials used in their packaging. This is understandable, as the packaging is such an important element of the customer experience,” Haimi shares.

“Many luxury brands want their fragrance caps, for example, to convey a sense of exclusivity, and this is exactly what Sulapac can provide. In addition to the aesthetic and usability aspects, the materials have excellent processability with existing injection molding machinery.”

The start-up highlights that unrecyclable materials are potentially subject to restrictions by the European Commission’s upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive revision and other upcoming country-specific restrictions for certain materials, such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer.

“Sulapac’s expanded portfolio enables cosmetic brands to replace controversial materials, such as thermosets and ABS, with truly sustainable alternatives – without compromising quality or aesthetics,” it states.

Transitioning away from plastics
Sulapac Luxe is made from industrially compostable materials, leaving no permanent microplastics or toxic load behind. 

Beauty brands are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives for conventional plastic packaging.The start-up notes that several high-end beauty brands have already shown interest in utilizing Sulapac Luxe in combination with their existing glass fragrance bottles or jars. The material is commercially available to all manufacturers and slips into existing injection molding production lines.

“Sulapac is a pioneer in recycled bio-based materials and our aim is to use only recycled biopolymers within the next five years,” says Haimi.

“We are happy to see the positive movement within the cosmetic sector as more and more brands are turning away from conventional plastic. Our job is to make this transition as easy and beneficial as possible – for brands, their customers and the environment.”

Sulapac has replaced traditional plastic makeup packaging for various applications within skincare, makeup and fragrances with its industry collaborations, including Shiseido’s brand Ulé for lids and Lumene for jars. It also equipped Above & Beyond with wood-based packaging for its refillable lip balms.

Moreover, Sulapac’s BetterBarrel – a plant-based barrel for pencils was picked up by Schwan Cosmetics last year. Sulapac has also developed premium quality solutions in collaboration with Chanel, including sustainable bottle caps created exclusively for the fragrance range Les Eaux De Chanel and the lid for the N° 1 de Chanel Cream.

“In Sulapac materials, the pioneering sustainability features of circularity, functionality and aesthetics come together uniquely, enabling our cosmetic customers to meet their sustainability goals and regulative requirements while fostering a high-end image and exquisite customer experience,” adds Strobant.

By Radhika Sikaria