USA – Dow has launched two new ionomers designed for use in cosmetic product packaging, claiming to incorporate renewable and circular feedstocks derived from plastic and bio-waste streams.
SURLYN REN ionomers are produced from bio-waste sourced from by-products or waste residues in other industries, such as used cooking oil.
As a result, it is believed that the raw feedstock will not consume additional land resources or compete with the food chain. Instead, it will be used to create new materials.
On the other hand, SURLYN CIR ionomers are produced from a mixture of plastic waste that has been processed using chemical recycling technologies.
By breaking down the plastics into their basic chemical elements, this process diverts waste from incineration or landfill and produces a raw material that offers similar benefits and performance as virgin fossil feedstock.
Both production processes are certified as ISCC PLUS on a mass balance basis. The grades are expected to assist beauty brands and manufacturers in creating eye-catching, high-performance, and sustainability-minded packaging. LVMH Beauty is already providing the grades for future use.
“SURLYN REN and SURLYN CIR are a major step forward in creating sustainable packaging for the cosmetic industry,” says Daniella Souza Miranda, Global Business Director for Circular & Renewable Solutions at Dow.
“We are incredibly proud alongside LVMH Beauty to pioneer using renewable and circular materials to manufacture premium cosmetic packaging.
“These products will not only support LVMH towards their sustainability goals but will also contribute to Dow’s bold ambition to transform waste and deliver 3 million metric tons per year of circular and renewable solutions by 2030.”
Earlier this year, Dow announced its partnership with LVMH Beauty. The collaboration aims to utilize plastics made from recycled and bio-based materials for the production of perfume and cosmetic product packaging.
Made from chemically recycled bio-based and plastic waste feedstock, respectively, Dow’s SURLYN™ ionomers are set to be used in the production of plastics.
Raw materials, such as used cooking oil, are expected to be utilized as bio-based feedstocks. This approach aims to prevent the overconsumption of land resources and competition with the food chain by using waste residues or by-products from alternative production processes.
The SURLYN™ Ionomers will be used throughout the year to manufacture perfume caps and cosmetic cream jars. Dow says that the materials are expected to maintain the premium aesthetic of previous packaging designs while also contributing to the reduction of LVMH’s carbon footprint.
