Consumer demand for environmentally friendly cosmetics is growing and manufacturers are looking to packaging companies to provide eco-friendly solutions. New Jersey-based World Wide Packaging (WWP) is releasing several major innovations onto the world market in the next month, including plastic tubes made from disposed milk cartons, called 'post consumer regrind' (PCR). The launch of the plastic tubes is accompanied by the release of lipstick containers, which are made using a biodegradable corn starch resin called polylactic acid (PLA). PLA has been used in the food industry for a couple of years but the cosmetics industry has only recently shown an interest in the substance. Jeffrey Hayet, WWP's executive vice president, told CosmeticsDesign.com: "We may not be the first company to produce eco-friendly packaging but we are the first to be marketing such products on a mass level for the cosmetics industry." "Four major household cosmetics names have already placed orders for our innovative new products," added Hayet. Cosmetics companies are under consumer pressure to adopt environmentally-friendly practices and packaging waste represents a significant environmental hazard. "In terms of being environmentally-friendly packaging is where cosmetics companies can make the biggest strides," said Nica Lewis from Mintel.
