New Compostable PLA-based Packaging for Cosmetic Products

Toxicologists have developed a new biodegradable packaging that helps cosmetics firms meet customers’ demand for environmentally friendly packaging at Heriot-Watt University.

The new packaging solves a conundrum for cosmetics firms that currently sell organic, ‘clean’ products in plastic containers made from fossil fuel products that cannot degrade and will forever remain in landfill.

PLA-based New Packaging

The new packaging is made from polylactic acid (PLA), which can be obtained from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane and is compostable and biodegradable.

Polylactic acid (PLA) was selected as the plastic for the new packaging, but in order to improve the performance of this plastic, and to increase the shelf life of the cosmetic product, two different materials were incorporated. 

Nano clays and rosemary extract were added as the nano clays improve the barrier properties of the product and rosemary extract acts as an antioxidant to protect the cosmetic product from degradation.

“As toxicologists, we know that even natural ingredients like rosemary can be toxic in the right dose. At Heriot-Watt we tested the toxicity of the rosemary extracts and different types of nano clays to select the least toxic candidates for the final product, to ensure it is safe for consumers”, said Dr Helinor Johnston, associate professor of toxicology at Heriot-Watt.

The BioBeauty Project

The BioBeauty project develops bio-packaging, which offers the same environmental credentials as the products it contains. The team believes the new biopackaging has huge potential in the cosmetics market.

The BioBeauty consortium comprised eight partners from five different countries: Spain, Scotland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and France. The partners are ITENE, Heriot-Watt University, Miniland, Alissi Brontë, Alan Coar, Vitiva, Martin Snijder Holding BV and ETS Bugnon. 

Risk Assessment for Potential Harmful Components

Researchers focused on assessing potential harmful impacts on the skin, but also looked at the response of target sites like the liver and immune system. A toxicological profile of the individual components was established along with the assessment of potential risk to the consumer from any migration of the packaging components of the final product. 

“We’re creating better ways to test products ethically. As part of this project, we used artificial skin to provide a more comprehensive assessment of how the packaging might react with skin,” said Johnston.

Johnston said “Brands that develop natural and organic products need packaging that aligns with their philosophy and consumer demand for more environmentally-friendly packaging that reduces waste."

Source: Heriot-Watt University