At Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, the medmix’s beauty brand has introduced the first ever bulk and formulation compliant post-consumer-recycled (PCR) polypropylene (PP) material suitable for primary cosmetic packaging such as mascara bottles and rods.
Recycled PP
The new material consists of at least 95% recycled PP plastic. It is completely odourless, and has been tested according to several international standards. The material’s ability to meet these standards opens new horizons for the packaging of products such as water-based mascaras. "Now, for the first time, the packaging can be made entirely from recycled material," explains Geka.
Furthermore, the new material is optimized for use in cosmetics packaging. It is colour-neutral with no impurities, allowing for a broad spectrum of shade and effect combinations that could not be achieved with conventional recycled materials. “We can achieve a pure white as well as a deep piano black,” Geka told Premium Beauty News.
As the material acts exactly like virgin PP, it provides unprecedented colour brilliance and guarantees absolutely no loss of visual effect. Cosmetic brands can therefore use complex effects such as metallic sheen or chrome without compromising on brilliance or having to use excessive amounts of pigment.
Geka also highlights there is no need to change the manufacturing equipment or tooling. Production parameters basically remain the same that with conventional PP.
Meeting the most stringent standards
The new material was developed in close collaboration with Geka’s long-standing partner WIS-Kunststoffe. It is completely odourless, and has been tested according to several strict international standards aimed at both the cosmetics and food production sectors. This includes the regulation EU (No) 10/2011 (food contact), the regulation EC 1223/2009 (cosmetic products), the REACH (no) 1907/2006 regulation and California Proposition 65.
"The material’s ability to meet these high standards opens new horizons for the packaging of products such as water-based mascaras. Previously, the exacting quality and suitability requirements for components that come into contact with the cosmetic, such as the thread part and bottle, ruled out the use of PCR PPs. Now, for the first time, the packaging can be made entirely from recycled material," said Geka in a statement.
Geka’s PCR-PP material has been selected as one of the ten finalists in the packaging category at this year’s MakeUp in Paris Innovation & Trends (IT) Awards. The material will also be showcased in the show’s IT Awards area and at Geka’s booth J20 from May 29-30, 2024.
"We are thrilled that our new PCR-PP material has reached the finalist stage at this prestigious event,” said Stefanie Gunz, Head Global Marketing at Geka. “This innovation reflects our commitment to merging top-tier performance with environmental stewardship. By choosing this material, brands can proudly showcase their dedication to sustainability without compromising on quality or design."
