N kinds of inspiration for degradable packaging: Paper bottled, bacterial cellulose, compostable
According to Markets and Markets, the global cosmetic packaging market size will grow from $49.4 billion in 2020 to $60.9 billion in 2025.
Environmental protection has always been the topic of most concern to people all over the world. It is understood that traditional cosmetic packaging is mainly plastic bottles, glass bottles, hoses, metal containers, and auxiliary materials are color boxes, cartons, medium boxes, etc. From the perspective of consumers, as health and naturalism become the life trends of modern people, consumers gradually recognize the concepts of environmental protection, minimalism and recycling, "excessive packaging" and "beauty economy" have become obsolete, and consumers are becoming more and more The more attention is paid to whether the raw materials of packaging are non-renewable, and whether cosmetic packaging is recyclable and degradable has become an urgent topic to be discussed.
paper bottle wave
Under the wave of anti-plastic sentiment sweeping the world, the use of "paper bottled" technology has indeed broken through the barriers to the pursuit of sustainable packaging. It is environmentally friendly, ideally in line with recycling, and contributes to our global environmental protection cause. made a huge contribution. Pulpex is the first company in the world to use sustainable pulp to make paper bottles and to obtain a patent. The raw materials used in the development of paper bottle technology are certified by the FSC Forest Stewardship Council. The inside of the bottle has a special coating to ensure that the bottle itself will not affect the liquid, lotion, etc. stored inside.
Their partners in the past few years include L'Oreal, PepsiCo, Unilever, etc. Not to be outdone, Estee Lauder recently announced that it will cooperate with sustainable packaging technology companies Pulpex and Poboco to turn skin care product bottles into paper. That is to say, we are about to see: small brown bottles in "paper bottles"? Wishes are good, but I just don't know if the big cosmetics brands can successfully implement "paper bottle" packaging? And how was the experience with it? But don't be like a brand caught in a storm because of "fake environmental protection". The outer packaging reads "hello, I'm paper bottle (I'm a paper bottle)" in very eye-catching words, but after tearing the paper bottle, you can see the inside. There is also a plastic bottle.
A paper-like bacterial cellulose
Guatemala-based designer Elena Amato has created a paper-like bacterial cellulose as a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging for personal care products. The bacterial cellulose flakes are grown with a mixture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), and then the resulting bacterial film is spread on a flat, smooth surface to dry.
SCOBY is the common abbreviation of "Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast". It is a unique fermentation process of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), acetic acid bacteria (AAB) and yeast to form a variety of sour foods and beverages such as kombucha and kimchi. In its most common form, SCOBY is a gel-like, cellulose-based biofilm or microbial mat that floats on the air-liquid interface of a container. Using SCOBY from a local kombucha maker, Amato has grown its unique bacterial cellulose, which Amato describes as something in between paper and plastic.
The dried bacterial cellulose material can be bonded together with water, eliminating the need for glue or other adhesives when sealing the package. Different colors can be achieved by adding natural pigments such as spirulina, hibiscus, saffron and charcoal during the mixing process. Made from renewable resources, this material grows quickly and is fully compostable. In addition to these qualities, the low-tech manufacturing process has very low energy consumption, and Amato envisions manufacturing locally, not only creating local jobs, but also reducing the need to transport raw materials from afar.
In keeping with the principles of a circular economy, Amato uses the material for packaging, which will "flow in an integrated and regenerated cycle".
Amato said: "In contrast to our economy currently operating primarily on a linear, unsustainable 'acquire-make-dispose' system, a circular economy suggests that materials should be integrated and regenerated as technological and biological nutrients flow through the system to maintain its value.”
She devised a three-layer packaging concept that mimics the natural packaging system of fruit structural layers, namely juice, pulp and peel. Amato designed the inner layer of personal care products, such as creams, deodorants or facial muds. The second layer is a capsule-like container made of solid natural soap to store the natural product inside. The third layer is a thin sheet of bacterial cellulose that protects the soap container below and also displays the product's branding. "Opening the package and using this product is like peeling a fruit, giving it a natural feel," Amato explained. "The idea was inspired by the concept of 'unpack less, peel more'." After peeling off the packaging, the customer Enjoy this creamy product. When the container is empty, the bottom and lid can be used as a bar of soap, just as the juice and pulp of the fruit can be fully utilized. "
Compostable, one shampoo bottle = one acacia tree
"When I went to Finland, a reporter asked me what Taiwanese brands can bring to Finland? I said that in Finland many households compost in their backyards, and our bottles can grow trees there." Steven O'right Chairman Ko.
This O'right 100% recycled plastic shampoo bottle is made from PCR and fruit and vegetable waste, and the cap is made of bamboo. Biological material: It is made of waste vegetables and fruits and plant extract starch, which is a natural environmental protection material. Buried in a suitable environment, it can be naturally turned into compost within a year, returning to nourish the earth. Native tree seeds: The bottle is placed with seeds, and the empty bottle is buried in the soil to be decomposed into carbon dioxide and water, returning to the natural environment to nourish the growth of the seeds. The seeds of "Acacia", the main afforestation and high carbon absorption native tree species in Taiwan, are used. Handmade Bamboo Hats: O'right handcrafted bamboo hats are inspired by the "extraordinary" elasticity of bamboo, handcrafted bamboo hats have natural color and luster, unique texture and delicate texture, over a decade of craftsmanship and fusion With the concept of green environmental protection, bamboo materials and art have created new value. Its lightweight performance, flexibility and exceptional elasticity make each bamboo hat a unique, delicate work of handcrafted art.
In traditional Chinese culture, bamboo symbolizes integrity and loyalty. Bamboo can grow up to 120 cm per day, mature in just four years, release 35% more oxygen than trees of the same area, and a one-hectare moso bamboo forest absorbs 35-50 tons of carbon dioxide per year. Its rapid regeneration and ability to produce new shoots helps reduce carbon emissions.
What is amazing is that when the used bottle is buried in the soil, it can be completely differentiated for about a year and provide nutrients for the coffee seeds at the bottom of the bottle. The seeds can grow into a coffee tree in a suitable environment.
