L’Oréal and Albéa announce the development of a breakthrough innovation for cosmetic packaging

L’Oréal and Albéa announce the development of a breakthrough innovation for cosmetic packaging: the creation of a paper-based tube

10.17.2019

As part of their partnership for responsible packaging innovation, L’Oréal and Albéa announce the development of a breakthrough innovation for cosmetic packaging. The two companies have invented the first carton-based cosmetic tube, where plastic is for the most part replaced with a bio-based and certified paper-like material.

This innovation is designed as an alternative solution to certain types of cosmetic packaging. Its environmental benefits will be assessed through a multi-criteria Life Cycle Analysis.

This partnership reflects L’Oréal’s and Albéa’s ambitions with regards to responsibility, as well as their signature of the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment of the Ellen McArthur Foundation. Furthermore, this project demonstrates that collaboration between industry experts is essential to develop breakthrough innovations. This new technological solution should launch shortly, with first industrial production planned in 2020.

Philippe THUVIEN, Vice-President Packaging & Development of L’Oréal, explains: « Since 2007 we have been constantly improving the environmental footprint of our packaging. 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. »

Gilles SWYNGEDAUW, Vice-President CSR, Innovation & Marketing of Albéa, adds: « Albéa’s commitment to sustainability goes back 15 years and is reflected in our broad range of responsible packaging. Our ambition today is to accelerate the development of innovative, responsible solutions, to dare break the codes, to aim for breakthroughs. It is only through collaboration with our customers and partners that we can invent the safe, circular, minimum-impact packaging that the beauty market wants. This innovation partnership with L’Oréal reflects both this ambition and this conviction. »