As consumers demand right-sized, recyclable or recycled packaging that minimizes waste while protecting products and preserving their functionality, manufacturers are thriving to reinvent their products. In the luxury sector, the step challenge can seem gigantic as it is to reconcile the opposite. In the luxury sector, where it is much about reconciling opposite goals, the step may seem really high. However, exhibitors at the latest Édition Spéciale by Luxe Pack have demonstrated their inventiveness with a multitude of preview innovations.
More glass to reduce plastic consumption
To reduce the use of plastic while moving up market, Verescence showcased refillable skincare jars with an inner cup made of glass. For increased sustainability, the patented solution can be produced in lightweight and / or partially recycled glass. In addition, the inner glass cup, such as the outer jar, are fully customizable.
The French glassmaker has also revised its Infini glass portfolio and will now offer two options: Infini 20 (made with 20% recycled glass) and Infini 40 (made with 40% recycled glass). The goal is to appeal to brands that want to take the path of sustainability without accepting the aesthetic alteration linked to a high content of recycled material.
On the contrary, Estal showcased bottles made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) glass. The Spanish supplier intends to target brands that prioritize durability over aesthetics. "During quality controls, we discard all products with functional defects, but we accept all aesthetic flaws in order to minimize the environmental impact of production," emphasizes Jan Garcia, Commercial Director.
Bormioli Luigi has also developed their own refillable jar with a removable glass cup. Dubbed "The Rechargeable", this solution has a notched hanging system and the company is evaluating the opportunity to add it to its catalogue of standard models.
The Italian glassmaker also launched a refillable lipstick system with a luxurious glass tube, as well as Skinlock, a screwless glass jar and cap that can be airtight closed thanks to a gasket.
Also for a more premium appearance and to reduce the use of plastic, Baralan presented its first glass airless. The piston solution puts the product in direct contact with the glass, and is available in two versions (classic or refill).
When it comes to the durability of glass, Heinz Glas places great emphasis on the manufacturing process. “Currently, the big concern with glass is greenhouse gas emissions linked to gas ovens,” explains Yolande Guillemot, sales manager. "We are far ahead on this subject as we have had an electric oven since 1972 and we have only purchased green electricity since 2016." Of course, Heinz Glas also offers lightweight and recycled glass through its Multigen solution, which allows taking into account various parameters of durability.
Recycled and alternative materials on the rise
Édition Spéciale by Luxe Pack has given special attention to start-ups offering alternative or recycled materials such as: Green Gen Technologies; which combines plant fibres with bio-based resins; Authentic Material which designs materials from natural sources (horn, shell, wood, leather, etc.); Carbiolice which develops plastic solutions of plant origin, biodegradable, compostable and environmentally friendly; Greenfib which designs a 100% biobased material, made from a castor oil derivative with added vegetable flour and mineral powders ...
However well-known materials, such as aluminium, can also prove very interesting thanks to their almost infinite recyclability. Tubex thus developed aerosol cans made of up to 60% PCR aluminium and decorated with water-based varnishes and natural inks. Also working on aluminium, G. Pivaudran is continuing to test the production of high-end components with up to 15% PCR material. "For matt parts, we are starting to get very good aesthetic results", said Hervé Delaigue, Sales and Development Director. The company is currently finalizing the design of a weighted cap made of 100% aluminium partly recycled.
Towards a circular plastic economy
When possible, plastics specialists seek to tap into the circular economy, with recycled materials and single-material solutions.
Élidose, for instance, showcased its 100% polypropylene refill sachets, as well as new 100% PE solutions with a PE cap.
Italy’s Eurovetrocap has relied on its Zero In ·Pack entity to develop two mini collections playing on these two aspects of plastic circularity: #mono and #recycled. In particular, the company has designed a single-material PP dropper. Finally, Eurovetrocap has also invested in a triple extrusion machine allowing to combine recycled PE for the core and virgin PE for the internal and external walls.
So many innovation avenues that should be further developed at OnBeauty by Cosmoprof Worldwide, from September 9 to 13, 2021, in Bologna, and Luxe Pack Monaco from September 27 to 29.
