Circular economy and sustainability
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING SOLUTIONS FOR THE COSMETICS INDUSTRY
ENVASOST
Motivation
The cosmetics sector uses a huge variety of packaging made from virgin polymer from non-renewable sources, such as PP, PET, PMMA and PS, necessitating a transition towards packaging with a lower carbon footprint which produces less waste. This is the background to the need for a study of the sustainable packaging alternatives to provide a solution to cosmetic manufacturers and replace conventional packaging with more sustainable alternatives.
The main advance that the project represents to the state of the art is research into the potential thermoplastic biomaterials currently available for use in the cosmetics sector, defining their properties to compare them with conventional materials.
The Valencia Region has a large number of companies that may benefit from the project’s R&D results. Each manufacturer has a varied catalogue of cosmetics that require different packaging characteristics, and each one will require an in-depth study to optimize characteristics to meet the needs of the particular products and go into full-scale production.
Objectives
To develop packaging solutions for the cosmetics sector based on sustainable materials, adapting them to comply with current cosmetic regulations. To this end, a study of sustainable materials (compostable and biodegradable) with the potential to replace current polymeric materials will be carried out, as well as the additives required to adapt them to their manufacturing processes.
The specific technical objectives are as follows:
- To acquire know‑how on potential biopolymers and sustainable additives for their application in cosmetic packaging.
- To carry out film extrusion, blown film extrusion and extrusion blow‑molding trials in order to characterize material properties and assess their suitability for the cosmetics industry.
- To conduct a compatibility study of biomaterials and additives with cosmetic products.
- To develop packaging made from biodegradable materials, including flexible packaging for gel/shampoo and rigid packaging for cosmetic creams.
Value and competitive advantage
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Facilitates the replacement of conventional cosmetic packaging with biodegradable and compostable solutions.
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Reduces the environmental footprint of packaging while maintaining functionality and regulatory compliance.
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Provides industrial know‑how that lowers technical risks when adopting new sustainable materials.
Expected results
- Research and selection of sustainable biopolymers and additives suitable for cosmetic packaging applications.
- Development and optimization of PLA‑based blends with improved flexibility, processability and impact resistance.
- Validation of industrial processing technologies, including flat film extrusion, cast film, blow film and blow molding.
- Production of biodegradable films and containers with enhanced barrier properties against oxygen and moisture.
- Mechanical, thermal and barrier characterization of the developed materials, confirming their suitability for cosmetic packaging.
- Manufacturing of sustainable packaging prototypes, demonstrating their technical and industrial feasibility.
Grant number: IMDEEA/2024/89
Programme: Grants to CV technology centres for R&D projects in cooperation with the private sector
Period of execution: January 2024 – June 2025
Status: Finished
More information: Amount – 177.295,05 €
Entity: IVACE
This project is supported by the Valencian Regional Government’s Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, through IVACE, and is co-financed by the FEDER (European Regional Development Fund) of the European Union, within the FEDER Operational Programme of the Valencian Community 2021-2027.
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R&D AREAS
New high-performance functionalised materials
Circular economy and sustainability
Advanced manufacturing, smart textiles and digitalisation
High value-added solutions for strategic markets
RELATED PROJECTS
NEWS
AITEX is present at the Babykid FIMI fair at Feria Valencia from January 26 to 28, presenting tests and certifications for children’s products.
AITEX has attended the Cosmetorium fair in Barcelona once again on October to present its new products for the cosmetic sector.
AITEX has hosted the LIFE POLITEX workshop entitled “Closing the textile polyester cycle: challenges and opportunities”, based on promoting sustainable solutions for the management and recycling of textile materials.