Meeting the demand for environment-friendly cosmetic packaging, suppliers in Taiwan and mainland China are using fiber-based materials or specially engineered plastic that are either recyclable or biodegradable.

The latest cream jars and lotion bottles are made of PMMA, PET, AS and acrylic. PP and PE are used for the inner layer as they have stable properties and are less likely to release chemicals that may interfere with cosmetic ingredients.

Suppliers are offering multilayer plastic tubes in a combination of PP, HDPE, LDPE, EVOH, ADMER or EVA.

These translucent plastic containers, used mainly for eye cream, moisturizers, lip gloss and gel, are designed with a modified PE upper part for easy squeezing. EVOH, a plastic resin acting as an oxygen barrier, is employed as an inner sealing layer in substitution for conventional aluminum film.

Makers are also developing biodegradable cosmetic containers using corn fiber. Environment-friendly paper is used for the labels.

In Taiwan, makers offer mini jars or containers for eye cream or lotion that are aimed specifically at the working, traveling set.

The best-sellers from Always Day Light International Co. Ltd are packed travel sets composed of 5 and 10g mini PET jars that comply with EEC and FDA standards.

Jars from Jia Hsing Enterprise Co. Ltd (Taiwan) are made of acrylic, SAN, PP, PE and ABS. Finished acrylic models have a crystal sheen effect that is similar to glass.

The company applies PE and PP on the inner layer of its jars. These materials are said to be stable and will not in any way change cosmetic formulation.

Jia Hsing's R&D team is working on cosmetic packaging made from corn fiber.

Top Fashion Industrial Co. Ltd offers portable 5 and 10g mini cosmetic jars in acrylic, PET and AS. Acrylic is used only for high-end models, while AS is applied in low-end jars.

In the mainland, concern for environmental protection is increasing as makers include more eco-friendly materials in their manufacturing process.

Excellent Style (Dongguan) Co. Ltd is offering translucent containers made of impact-resistant PMAA, which lends a glasslike clarity. PMAA is used mainly for high-end cream jars, while PET or PP is applied in low-end models.

Translucent plastic tubes from Shenzhen Paka Plastics Packing Co. Ltd have a frosted finish, allowing one to see the contents.

Five-layer models are offered for stronger cosmetic formulations such as anti-sunburn substances. Mono- and dual-layer tubes are applicable mainly to shampoo and cream.

Shenzhen Paka's five-layer tubes employ EVOH as an inner sealing layer instead of the aluminum film that is used more frequently. This enables the container to be recycled after use.

Shanghai Yitong Plastics Co. Ltd uses modified PE in its plastic tubes to produce a soft, cottony feel. The material translates into a 50 percent increase in cost. Mono- and dual-layer models, priced from $0.10 to $0.15 each, comply with CE and EN 7103 standards.

To ensure that its products comply with safety standards, Shangyu Wanrong Plastic Co. Ltd uses only PP, PE, HDPE and EVA, which are biodegradable.

Plastic tubes from Weilida Plastic Mfy are made of jelly PVC, which produces a translucent effect and a softer feel. The company also uses PET, nylon, microfiber, satin EVA and TPU, which are all sourced locally.

FDA- and CE-compliant Huamei Industry Co. Ltd carries out QC from material sourcing to finished products.

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