Global research and development specialist DuPont has developed a new technology, Delrin Decorating Solutions, designed to give package designers more ways to combine the look of luxury with high functionality in cosmetic closures and containers.
The new technology, which debuted at the Luxe Pack New York exhibition in June 2003 could potentially provide a complete system for meeting the needs of cosmetics and fragrance customers.
According to DuPont, it combines the high-fashion aesthetics of painted or metal-plated plastics with the functional attributes of DuPont Delrin acetal resin. The system consists of moulding resins, an etching solution, coatings and application technology.
"In addition to increasing design freedom, DuPont Delrin Decorating Solutions also open opportunities for cost savings by combining functions of two or more parts into one Delrin part," said Stefan Greulich, global market development manager, DuPont.
DuPont gives the example of perfume caps, which are typically made as a two-piece construction of a plated overcap on a threaded closure - made of a different plastic resistant to solvents and other perfume ingredients. A one-piece closure made of Delrin would fulfill both functional and decorative requirements, claims the company.
It also notes that the technology can be used in a similar way in cosmetic cases by replacing the usual two- or three-piece casing to make a single part with an integral hinge.