Aptar Beauty’s flagship pumps go full-plastic to maximize recyclability

After creating the first single-material pump (100% PE) in 2021, Aptar Beauty is continuing its innovations for enhanced recyclability of personal care dispensing solutions.

100% polyolefin body and hair care pumps

The new Advance collection consists of new generation pumps only made form polyolefin plastics [1] to maximize recyclability, starting with two best-selling personal care dispensing solutions: the GSA Advance dispensing pump and the PZ Advance spray pump, both designed to address the requirement of the body care and hair care markets (body and hair application).

According to Aptar Beauty, both innovations are made of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), from the polyolefin family, making them suitable for the main plastic recycling streams, while guaranteeing the same high performance and design.

“The main challenge was to maintain a design as close as possible to that which made the original versions successful, while replacing the metal spring with a plastic solution of identical quality and reliability,” said Delphine Bony, Marketing Manager Beauty & Personal Care EMEA at Aptar.

‘Highly recyclable’

Both pumps have an all-plastic (PP and PE) cartridge and have undergone extensive robustness and user comfort tests. When paired with a HDPE, PP or PET bottle, they are rated ‘Highly recyclable’ by independent certification agency Institute CYCLOS-HTP. They are also POM-free and both of them are PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled Resin) capable.

Designed for personal care products, the GSA Advance dispensing pump maintains a smooth actuation force. The plastic spring outside of the dosage chamber delivers a 2 cc dose and ensures optimal compatibility across a variety of formulas, including water-based and high-viscosity.

Manufactured in Aptar’s factory in Chieti, Italy, GSA Advance is fully interchangeable with the existing GSA dispensing pump. It operates on the same finishing lines and is compatible with the same aesthetic components and actuators, starting with two standard actuator designs available. “The modular pump architecture gives infinite options to customize the look and feel to support brand differentiation,” emphasized Aptar.

As far as it is concerned, the PZ Advance spray pump delivers a 190 mcl dose. This full-polyolefin solution also comes with a full-plastic cartridge, with no metal spring.

Manufactured in Dortmund, Germany,PZ Advance is designed for compatibility with a wide range of viscosities, including demanding oily formulas, and is especially suited to sun care and on-the-go usage. A non-detachable tamper-evident seal can be included as an option.

Twist-to-lock system and e-commerce optimization

For both pumps, a twist-to-lock system allows to block them in the open or closed positions, making it suited for on-the-go use. This intuitive system makes them perfectly suited for on-the-go use and eliminates the need for a cap. Their design is optimized for omnichannel needs [2].

Furthermore, GSA Advance features an optional e-clip (in PP, also available in up to 100% PCR) providing an extra layer of protection while in transit.

GSA Advance will be ready for production from March 2025, with industrial capabilities to be duplicated in North America for regional delivery. PZ Advance will follow in the beginning of Q2.

“We want to disrupt the market with this innovative range of high-performing, all-plastic pumps, which are all based on consumer-proven products and feature an iconic design, to complement our offer of mono-material solutions such as the Future dispensing pump,” concluded Luigi Garofalo, Global Category Director Personal Care and Home Care at Aptar.