Eastman continues the sustainable transformation of its portfolio of packaging solution for cosmetic products. At the Luxe Pack Monaco trade show, which will be held at the Grimaldi Forum on September 30 through October 2, 2019, the provider of plastic resins will showcase the next generation of Trēva, its alternative to ABS which was introduced to the market last year.
A greener Trēva
“In terms of performance and aesthetics, the new Trēva is exactly the same than the previous generation. However, we have been able to use a new state-of-the-art chemical recycling technology to increase of its content in recycled material,” explains Clark Ensminger, Market Development Manager, Specialty Plastics at Eastman.
In practice, Eastman has added 23.5% of certified recycled content to the resin formula. Together with the 48% of cellulose-based plastic already included in the initial formula, Trēva Generation 2 now contains over 70% of non-fossil materials.
“We have performed many trials to test the performance and aesthetics of Trēva for lipsticks, caps or compact cases. In many ways, it outperforms ABS. However, it is a different material which requires a specific know-how. In certain cases (about 30%) specific moulds and tooling may be required,” adds Clark Ensminger. “Anyway, the new generation of Treva has exactly the technical and aesthetic characteristics than the first one, it is simply more sustainable.”
PCR compounded polyesters
At Luxe Pack, Eastman will also introduce Cristal Revēl copolyesters, a new line of proprietary post-consumer recycled content (PCR) compounded polyesters.
“Revēl is a platform based on food grade recycled PET mixed with virgin copolyesters. The content of recycled material varies from 15% to 50%, depending on the client technical requirements,” says Clark Ensminger.
The level of transparency and the colour of Cristal Revēl depend on the content of recycled material. At Luxe Pack, Eastman, will showcase different samples, but it is the version containing 40% of PCR that will be marketed first.
Circular economy
To develop these sustainable materials and include them into a circular economy, Eastman has developed three plastic recycling streams, both mechanical and chemical recycling streams, to enable the recycling of mixed polyester and mixed plastic waste from various sources.
“Our vision is that 100% of our material will participate in a circular economy in the future,” says Renske Gores, Segment Market Manager, Plastics Packaging, Specialty Plastics at Eastman. “We are collaborating with the Ellen MacArthur foundation and we agree with their definition of the circular economy. Thus, we have created three loops for our products that will be showcased at Luxe Pack.”
These transformative circular solutions have been selected by the Luxe Pack in green Awards jury, which will announce the winner on October 1st, 2019.
