100% Recycled Cosmetic Containers, We Managed to Make Them for Now...

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Cosmetic containers produced with a single material (one-material). They are 100% recyclable.
[Photo by Yeonwoo]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Cosmetic container manufacturers are producing plastic containers that are ‘100% recyclable’ but are struggling to actively secure sales channels.

According to the cosmetic container manufacturing industry, major companies such as Yeonwoo and Permtek Korea have been producing 100% recyclable and reusable cosmetic containers made from plastic ‘one-material’ for several years. They completed the domestic market launch last year and are preparing for overseas market launches this year.

While cosmetic container manufacturers are proactive, cosmetic companies that receive custom-made containers from them are passive.

This is because there are many factors to consider when switching to containers made from a single material. First is the concern about decreased sales. Packaging design greatly influences cosmetic sales. Containers made solely of plastic have less vibrant colors and cannot have elaborate decorations. Although they recognize that containers made from a single material are eco-friendly, they cannot afford to fall behind in design competition with rivals.

An industry insider said, "Design accounts for half of cosmetics. Before evaluating the contents, the product must first catch the consumer’s eye," adding, "It is very difficult to create stylish container designs using only one plastic material."

Technical issues are also a concern. High-functionality cosmetics that risk deterioration require composite materials with high barrier properties, which are difficult to achieve with a single material. Additionally, design and engineering technologies are needed to eliminate metal springs used in seams and pumping parts or replace them with plastic. They also need sophisticated design technologies that can substitute for shiny plating.

A representative from a well-known cosmetic company said, "Ultimately, only a very small number of companies with balanced design and engineering capabilities can produce single-material containers," adding, "If there is a large-scale switch to single-material containers, many container manufacturers with lower technology will inevitably face significant difficulties."

However, as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management becomes essential and the global eco-friendly trend intensifies, it seems difficult for the domestic cosmetic industry to continue delaying the switch to single-material containers.

Repeated demands from environmental groups to increase the recycling rate of cosmetic containers are also a burdensome issue. A civic group recently held a rally in front of AmorePacific’s headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, demanding ‘eco-friendly management’ such as cosmetic container reuse.

The cosmetic container manufacturing industry said, "If major companies like AmorePacific and LG Household & Health Care choose single-material containers, other companies will follow the trend," adding, "It is now up to the decisions of large cosmetic companies and the choices of customers."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.