What is a bioplastic? And why do we need them?

Published: 16-Jan-2019
Sustainability Research & Development

From personal care ingredients to cosmetic packaging, traditional plastic materials are under scrutiny. So what alternatives do biomaterials provide?

You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
Click here to find out more.

Cosmetics Business asks what exactly are bioplastics and biomaterials, and what are their benefits and limitaions?

Over to the experts…

What is a bioplastic? And why do we need them?

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

Not yet a Subscriber?

This is a small extract of the full article which is available ONLY to premium content subscribers. Click below to get premium content on Cosmetics Business.

Subscribe now Already a subscriber? Sign in here.
  • Companies:
  • Albea
See more

You may also like

Sustainability

Albéa’s EcoFusion Top range - Less plastic for a reduced carbon footprint

Read more
As the most disruptive solution in weight reduction, the EcoFusion Top, available in D50 and now in D35, is an easy choice for brands to show their sustainable efforts

Trending Articles

  1. The future of in vitro testing in the cosmetics industry: an insight by Eurofins In vitro testing plays a key part in assuring the safety and efficacy of consumer products. In a strict regulatory landscape, these testing methods provide a cost-effective, time saving alternative for animal testing, invaluable in performing part of the necessary steps to get your product on the market
  2. You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
    Click here to find out more.
    What’s behind beauty’s innovation drought? With Mintel reporting that beauty innovation has hit a ten year low, Cosmetics Business looks into the reasons behind beauty’s reliance on ‘renovations’
  3. A guide on how to write cosmetics ingredient lists in EU, US and Canada Labelling represents an important part of a cosmetic product packaging, from both the regulatory and marketing view
  4. L’Oréal opens new ‘purpose-built’ UK headquarters in London’s White City The French beauty group has relocated its 1,000-plus London workforce to a new free-flowing, sustainable and energy efficient building
  5. L’Oréal launches decade in the making home hair dye device The Colorsonic brush is said to automatically mix the ‘perfect ratio’ hair colour and to be applied within five minutes

Upcoming event

PCD London, part of London Packaging Week

11-12 September 2024 | London See all

You may also like

Sustainability

Albéa’s EcoFusion Top range - Less plastic for a reduced carbon footprint

As the most disruptive solution in weight reduction, the EcoFusion Top, available in D50 and now in D35, is an easy choice for brands to show their sustainable efforts
Sustainability

Mono-material, recycling-ready and made in France: Albéa’s “Breizhstick”

Creating cosmetic rigid packs for skin care, makeup and fragrance that are both desirable and responsible is Albéa’s driving force
Sustainability

Albéa commits to reduce its absolute carbon emissions by 46% by 2030

As part of its global strategy, Albéa announces its Climate Change roadmap in line with the Science Based Target initiative (a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature) 2030 objectives to limit the global warming to 1,5°C. The company commits to reduce its absolute carbon emissions by 46% on scopes 1 (direct emissions from owned sources) and scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy) by 2030
Packaging

Estée Lauder Companies announces sustainable packaging deal with Albéa and SABIC

The US beauty brand owner has launched the partnership with luxury skin care brand Origins
Packaging

Seeing single: How can monomaterial packaging help your brand be greener?

Traditionally, beauty packs could comprise a variety of different materials. But, with greater focus on recyclability, packaging made from just one material is an increasingly attractive option
Packaging

Henkel gives oral care brand Licor del Polo sustainable revamp

The new Albéa-created eco-friendly tube will help Henkel achieve its 100% recyclability target by 2025
Packaging

Albéa teams up with L’Oréal on new eco-friendly packaging for La Roche-Posay

The cardboard tube is said to reduce the amount of plastic used by 45%
Subscribe now