Thermoplastic resin an alternative for cosmetics packaging

A bio-based alternative to plastic packaging used in the cosmetics industry has been provided by France-based Roquette in the form of thermoplastic resin Gaialene.

Grown and manufactured from non-food resources, it has been technically approved for cosmetics packaging and is used in blow-moulding bottles and flasks for products like shampoos, conditioners and creams.

Bio-based

The thermoplastic resin is 52 per cent bio-based and is a starch derivative, converted from raw wheat, corn, potatoes and protein peas, which are all natural, non-GMO resources, the company claims.

The other 48 per cent of the Gaialene resin is made from fossil-based products.

According to Roquette, it is suitable for use in existing plastics production equipments and can be used in durable applications, unlike biodegradable plastics.

The packaging firm claims the mechanical properties remain stable after numerous recycling loops and can be re-used as new after recycling.

Flasks and bottles

The process of extrusion-blow-moulding is used to create the packaging using the resin, with a spectrum of bottles available, from flexible to rigid and low to high volumes.

According to the company, the resin-based packaging has high resistance to impact, is an excellent barrier to liquids, has low permeability to gas or vapours and has high stability when in contact with shampoos for example.