Nowadays, environmental care is becoming an increasingly important aspect not only in everyday life but also in the cosmetics industry. Consumers are placing greater emphasis on products that are planet-friendly, and manufacturers are striving to meet these needs by introducing innovative solutions in packaging and product ingredients. Today, we will take a closer look at modern plastic recycling technologies, methods for combating microplastics, and alternatives to traditional packaging that can reduce the negative impact on our planet.
Advances in Plastic Recycling
Modern plastic processing technologies are increasingly focused on more eco-friendly solutions. One current development is chemical recycling, which allows plastics to be broken down to the molecular level. This makes it possible to obtain raw materials for producing new, high-quality products. An example of this is the breakdown of PET plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) into its original components, which can then be reused in packaging production.
Another breakthrough is enzymatic technology, where scientists are developing enzymes that accelerate the plastic degradation process. The bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis, used in this process, can break down plastic into simpler chemical compounds, paving the way for faster and more efficient recycling.
In addition, initiatives like The Ocean Cleanup focus on recovering plastic from oceans using advanced cleaning systems. The waste collected through this project can then be processed and reused, helping to reduce its negative impact on the environment.
Below is a brief overview of each of these innovations.
Cleaning up the world
Innovative technologies like Seabin and The Ocean Cleanup focus on removing pollutants from water surfaces. Seabin is a device that acts like a "vacuum cleaner," collecting floating debris from the surface of water in marinas and ports. This device is particularly effective at gathering larger waste, but it also helps remove smaller plastic particles, such as microplastics. Deployed in multiple locations worldwide, Seabin is a simple yet effective solution in the fight against marine pollution.
The Ocean Cleanup operates on a larger scale, concentrating on removing bigger plastic debris from oceans, but in the future, it also plans to develop technologies to tackle smaller particles. The project uses large, floating barriers that capture plastic carried by ocean currents. The collected waste is then processed into new materials or properly disposed of.
Biological Solutions: Bacteria and Fungi in the Fight Against Microplastics
In the scientific field, innovative biological approaches are being developed, including the use of bacteria and fungi to degrade plastic. Modified microorganisms, such as the bacteria Ideonella sakaiensis, can break down PET (polyethylene terephthalate)—one of the most commonly used plastics—into harmless chemical compounds.
The use of modified bacteria capable of breaking down PET, commonly found in plastic bottles and packaging, is one of the most significant discoveries in plastic processing. PET is notoriously difficult to decompose, but an enzyme produced by this bacteria, known as PETase, breaks it down into monomers that can be recycled, paving the way for more efficient and eco-friendly recycling processes.
PETase works by converting PET into its original chemical components—terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol—which can be reused to produce new plastics. This process is much faster than the natural degradation of plastic, which can take hundreds of years. Additionally, it supports the most crucial part of recycling: the reuse of the original raw material. The enzyme can break down plastic in just a few days. Currently, scientists are working on optimizing its performance to make the process even more efficient and adaptable for industrial conditions.
Fungi, such as species from the Aspergillus genus, also show degradation abilities toward microplastics. Research suggests that some fungi can break down plastic polymers into simpler compounds that are not harmful to the environment. These efforts are promising, but further research and optimization are needed before they can be implemented on a larger scale.
Current research into modifying microorganisms opens new avenues in the fight against plastic pollution, combining biotechnological innovations with environmental protection. While these efforts are still in development, they represent a key component of future strategies to combat microplastics.
Biodegradable Cosmetic Packaging: The Future of the Beauty Industry
The cosmetic industry, being one of the primary consumers of plastic packaging, is increasingly committed to finding eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. Biodegradable packaging, particularly bioplastics made from renewable resources, is gaining popularity. Bioplastics can be produced from materials such as corn starch, cellulose, or sugarcane, making them much more environmentally friendly compared to conventional petroleum-based plastics. These materials not only decompose naturally but also leave a smaller carbon footprint during production.
One of the most promising bioplastics used in cosmetic packaging is PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) technology. PHAs are polymers naturally produced by bacteria and break down in the environment without creating harmful by-products. Furthermore, they are compostable, meaning they can decompose even in industrial conditions without leaving behind permanent waste.
PHA has broad applications in cosmetic packaging, which needs to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, making it an ideal material for the industry.
Innovations in this field also include the development of new packaging materials, such as those offered by Notpla, a company that produces packaging based on seaweed. Notpla's products are fully biodegradable, and their natural origin means they have no negative environmental impact. This is an intriguing approach, demonstrating that bioplastics can be derived from marine resources like algae, not just land-based raw materials.
A similar innovation comes from the brand Sulapac, which manufactures packaging from wood-based materials, such as waste from wood production and other plant-based raw materials. Sulapac’s products are aesthetic, functional, and fully biodegradable. The company strives to make their packaging completely plastic-free while maintaining a high standard of protection for cosmetics against external factors.
All of this shows that eco-friendly packaging can be both environmentally sustainable and visually appealing, which is crucial in the beauty industry, where appearance and functionality of products are paramount.
The Current State of Modern Plastic Recycling Methods Compared to Traditional Methods
Modern plastic recycling technologies differ significantly from older methods in terms of both efficiency and environmental impact. Traditional mechanical recycling mainly involved processing waste into lower-quality materials that gradually lost their physical and chemical properties. The efficiency of this process was around 20-30%, meaning a significant portion of the plastic was unsuitable for further processing. Today the cost of chemical recycling is estimated to be about 2-3 times higher than traditional methods, mainly due to the complexity of the process and the required infrastructure. However, over time, with scaling and process optimization, these costs are expected to drop significantly.
New technologies, such as chemical recycling and enzymatic methods currently under investigation, have the potential to transform plastic at the molecular level, allowing materials to retain their original properties. Chemical recycling, for example, through depolymerization, is much more efficient, enabling the recovery of raw materials with virtually no loss in quality. Compared to traditional methods, these innovations can increase recycling efficiency to 60-70%.
Enzymatic technologies, such as PETase, break down plastic into monomers in just a few days, whereas traditional methods require years or even decades for natural decomposition. Current research is focused on enhancing the efficiency of these enzymes to enable them to operate under a wider range of conditions and at lower operational costs.
Tips for Choosing Eco-Friendly Packaging:
Choose glass or metal if recycling is readily available in your region and if transporting heavier materials is not an issue.
Paper and cardboard are great choices for lightweight products or as supplementary materials (e.g., outer packaging).
Avoid composite materials that combine different raw materials, as they are harder to recycle.
What About Plastic?
Plastic packaging is often marked with symbols that indicate the type of plastic and its recyclability options:
Mobius Loop (triangle with three arrows): This symbol means that the product can be recycled. If a percentage is shown inside the symbol, it indicates how much of the material comes from recycled content.
Green Dot: This symbol shows that the manufacturer supports recycling systems, but it doesn’t mean that the packaging itself is made from recycled materials.
Plastic Numbering: Packaging is labeled with numbers from 1 to 7, indicating the type of plastic. The most eco-friendly options are:
PET (1): The most commonly recycled plastic, used in beverage bottles and food containers.
HDPE (2): Also widely accepted, used in bottles for detergents and cosmetics.
Avoid packaging labeled with numbers 3 (PVC), 6 (PS), and 7 (other), as they are difficult to recycle.
Choose Biodegradable Materials
More and more companies are offering biodegradable packaging that can break down in natural or compostable conditions. Look for materials such as:
PLA (polylactic acid): A plant-based material that is biodegradable and compostable.
PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates): A biodegradable polymer naturally produced by bacteria, used in cosmetic packaging.
Prefer Packaging Made from Renewable Materials
Bioplastics made from renewable resources such as corn starch, cellulose, or sugarcane are much more environmentally friendly. Companies like Sulapac and Notpla offer biodegradable packaging made from plant-based materials, including seaweed, further reducing the carbon footprint.
Use Local Recycling Tools
Websites like Recycle Now offer online tools to check local recycling guidelines. You can also use apps that scan product barcodes to check if the packaging is recyclable in your area.
Choose Products with Eco-Certifications
Look for packaging with certifications such as:
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Certifies materials from responsibly managed forests.
Cradle to Cradle: Indicates that the product is designed with a full lifecycle in mind, supporting a sustainable circular economy.
These tips will help you choose packaging that is not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also minimizes negative environmental impact, supporting a more sustainable future. Remember, your choice matters. While one person alone may not save the world, I passionately believe that in the scale of 8 billion people, my choice is not an isolated one. Every time I reuse packaging or avoid throwing away imperfect food (consciously accepting the consequences of, for example, buying too much), I am certain that I am acting alongside others—people who care about more than just their comfort.
The Cost of Supporting the Environment.
Hmmm. It’s both indirect and direct. High and low at the same time. Directly, focusing solely on the price of the product – it seems expensive, right? But is it really?
Let’s take a closer look at a typical popular cream. The main ingredient? Water. The capacity of the cream is 30ml. The amount of water in a typical moisturizing cream formulation is 60-80%. Let’s assume the lower value. 60% of 30ml equals 18ml of water + 12ml of other ingredients (including stabilizers and preservatives). The most expensive water in the world!
And how much cream do you use per application?
If a face cream bottle contains 30ml, and you use about 1-1.5ml per application, you can estimate that such a cream will last around 20-30 days if used twice a day. If the cream is used once a day, its usage period extends to about 40-60 days.
Facial oils, on the other hand, are more concentrated than creams, so they are used in smaller amounts – usually 2-3 drops (about 0.1-0.2ml) per application.
Estimated usage time: If you use 0.1-0.2ml per application (2-3 drops) and apply the oil once a day, 30ml will last for about 150-300 days (5-10 months). If you apply the oil twice a day, it will last around 75-150 days (2.5-5 months, versus 1 month for cream).
Oils are usually very efficient because a small amount is enough to cover the entire face.
Hmmm, but oils don’t contain water, and you might think it’s good to provide your skin with water, right?
There’s a solution for that. You can replace water with ingredients that attract moisture from the environment (such as products with hyaluronic acid or propanediol – coming soon to our offer).
You can also go all out and find the highest-quality water – amazing mineral waters can be found in spas and wellness centers.
No need to worry if it's sparkling. The carbon dioxide gently stimulates blood circulation in the skin, providing a refreshing sensation and subtly revitalizing the complexion. In Japanese and Korean skincare rituals, sparkling water is often used to enhance skin tone and texture. Transfer it into a spray bottle and use it as a mist before applying the oil in the evening (this way, you lock in the precious water while controlling the minerals delivered with it – most creams use ordinary purified water – aqua purificata). Or you can use a favorite hydrolat for this purpose :)
Sky is the limit! :)
Comments