Albéa thus committed to making 100% of plastic packaging reusable or recyclable, by 2025 and set an ambitious 2025 recycled content target of 10% across all plastic packaging used.
PCR in tubes and foam pumps
The company already produces 33 million tubes with PCR polyethylene. PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic is made from single-use packaging (milk or beverage bottles) that is used and sorted before going through recycling channels.
According to Albéa, the use of PCR reduces the carbon footprint of a tube by 16% (compared to a conventional Ø50mm plastic tube, 200ml with a 500μm Cebal cap). For every one million PCR tubes produced, the equivalent of 16 tons of CO2 can be saved. These tubes can be fully recycled via existing collection systems, which already exist in Germany, Sweden, Italy, Spain, and Portugal; in the process of being deployed in France, the Netherlands, and the UK.
Beyond tubes, foam pumps are now also available with PCR. “A pump produced with 100% PCR polypropylenec (cap, neck, and actuator) reduces its carbon footprint by 47%,” claims Albéa.
Bioplastic (PE) foam bottles and tubes
Albéa first introduced bioplastics in 2010, produced from Brazilian sugar cane. Throughout its life cycle, sugar cane absorbs the CO2 it needs to grow. The amount of cane used to produce one kilo of biobased PE has thus absorbed 3kg of CO2.
According to Albéa, biobased PE tubes manufactured by the group provide a carbon footprint that is 76% lower than that of a conventional plastic tube, while its 100% biobased PE foam bottles reduce carbon footprint by 47%.
Reduction of packaging material
As part of its policy to reduce packaging materials, Albéa offers - thanks to the combination of the SLIM Cap and THIN-WALL sleeve - one of the lightest polyethylene (PE) tubes on the market. The tube’s total weight is reduced by 33% compared to a standard tube, in particular due to the reduction by 30% of the thickness of the tube’s walls (from 500μm to 350μm).
Reuse
As the reuse of packaging is a very effective way of reducing the environmental impact of packaging, Albéa has showcased Spiral is the latest innovation in perfume pumps at Luxe Pack Monaco. It can be unscrewed to make the bottle both refillable and recyclable.
Recyclability
As far as recyclability is concerned, Albéa highlights EZ’R, a 100% recyclable and lightweight foam pump that reduces total packaging weight and water needed for use, as well as My Style Bag and My Little Case, ultra-light palettes, designed in one piece for a much easier recycling. Furthermore, these palettes use about 30% less plastic than a conventional palette.
