From personal care ingredients to cosmetic packaging, traditional plastic materials are under scrutiny. So what alternatives do biomaterials provide?
Cosmetics Business asks what exactly are bioplastics and biomaterials, and what are their benefits and limitaions?
David Newman, Managing Director, The Bio-Based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA)
Non-biodegradable microplastics in cosmetic products are a major cause for concern. Everyday, tonnes of plastic ‘dust’ resulting from the use of personal care products (ie microplastics with an exfoliating function for shower gels and various rinse-off cleansing products) are poured into the world’s seas, together with microplastics used in face and body creams, sunscreens and make-up.
The EU is looking into measures to limit the use of microplastics in cosmetics, already in force in some countries, while various solutions are available for rinse-off products. However, sound and truly sustainable alternatives are urgently needed for the more complex leave-on products.
In this respect, biomaterials are...
This is a small extract of the full article which is available ONLY to premium content subscribers. Subscribers sign-in (top right) to read the article.
Or
Subscribe now to premium content on Cosmetics Business