INEOS launches hybrid polymer with 70% recycled content for cosmetics packaging

FRANCE – INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe has introduced a new hybrid polymer grade under its Recycl-IN range, containing 70% recycled material and targeted at contact-sensitive cosmetics packaging applications where performance and aesthetics remain critical.

The new grade, rPP1025C, is a natural colour polypropylene homopolymer designed for thin-walled injection moulding and fibre extrusion.

INEOS says the material is suited for manufacturing rigid, coloured or translucent components such as screw caps, jars and lids, as well as mascara reservoirs and caps, deodorant roller balls, spray-over caps and dispenser parts.

According to the company, Recycl-IN hybrid polymers combine high levels of mechanically recycled plastics with advanced “booster” polymers to deliver properties comparable to virgin polypropylene.

This approach is intended to help brand owners significantly increase recycled content while maintaining processing ease, premium look and functional performance. INEOS claims the new grade offers a 35% lower carbon footprint compared with virgin PP alternatives.

Key performance attributes highlighted by INEOS include high stiffness for shape retention, heat resistance for product stability and shelf life, and reliable mechanical strength for demanding cosmetic packaging formats.

The material is positioned as a drop-in solution, with optical properties and processing behaviour said to remain comparable to conventional virgin grades.

The natural colour of rPP1025C is also positioned as a commercial and sustainability advantage. INEOS notes that it can help reduce costs, simplify recycling streams and provide a neutral base for branding without the need for added pigments.

Additional features include scratch resistance to preserve a premium appearance and “virgin-quality colourability,” allowing converters and brand owners to achieve a full spectrum of shades, from light to dark.

From a compliance perspective, INEOS states that the recycled materials used are covered by an FDA No Objection Letter (NOL) and are certified as post-consumer recyclate (PCR) by RecyClass, in line with ISO 14021 environmental labelling standards.

This is expected to support adoption in regulated, contact-sensitive applications.

The launch comes amid growing activity across the polyolefins sector as producers expand recycled and circular portfolios.

Recently, Borealis and Borouge unveiled their global Recleo portfolio of mechanically recycled, post-industrial and post-consumer recyclates and compounds, aimed at helping customers lower carbon footprints and reduce virgin feedstock use.

Similarly, Berry Global last year introduced CleanStream, a high-quality post-consumer recycled polymer for non-contact-sensitive homecare and industrial packaging, which the company says could eliminate around 36,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

Together, these developments underline the industry’s accelerating shift toward high-performance recycled polymers that meet both sustainability targets and brand expectations.

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