L'Oréal and Albéa create paper-based cosmetic packaging

L'Oréal and Albéa are focusing on making beauty packaging more environmentally-friendly.

The beauty giant and the packaging company have announced the invention of what is reportedly the first carton-based cosmetic tube, which sees plastic for the most part replaced with a bio-based, paper-like material. The creation, whose environmental benefits will be assessed through a multi-criteria Life Cycle Analysis, is expected to start going into industrial production in the second half of 2020.

"Since 2007 we have been constantly improving the environmental footprint of our packaging," said Philippe Thuvien, Vice-President Packaging & Development of L'Oréal, in a statement. "Today we are going one step further and launching this new technology based on certified paper. By working upstream and closely with Albéa to co-develop this breakthrough innovation, we aim to create a new paper-based tube packaging for our cosmetic packaging. We target a first market launch for skincare products in the second half of 2020. L'Oréal is committed to improving the environmental or social profile of 100% of its packaging by end 2020. This innovative, alternative solution is an integral part of the Group's packaging strategy."

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L'Oréal has taken multiple steps towards improving its environmental credentials recently, including taking a minority stake in Carbios, a start-up that focuses on finding bio-industrial solutions to reinvent the life cycle of plastic and textile polymers, earlier this year. The company is also a signatory of the Ellen McArthur Foundation's ‘New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.'

Sustainable packaging has become a major focal point within the beauty industry recently. Back in April, the personal care conglomerate Unilever unveiled a three-part plan to tackle plastic use in the US, while January saw the conglomerate Procter & Gamble partner with several major companies to co-found the ‘Alliance to End Plastic Waste,' a non-profit organization designed to tackle plastic waste levels in the ocean.