Various elements of sustainability, including as recyclability, biodegradability, compostability, refillability, reusability, and the use of biosourced materials or raw materials generated from renewable resources, have dominated recent creative packaging advances.
Multiple factors are driving these trends, starting with individual customers being more environmentally concerned, as well as companies trying to be more forward-thinking and concentrating on the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
Other parameters include, but are not limited to, performance aspects, eco-friendly solutions, speed-to-market considerations, and cost efficiencies. The complexity of creating and selecting the right packaging is to ensure that it is optimised for human and environmental health and safety, while other parameters include, but are not limited to: performance aspects, eco-friendly solutions, speed-to-market considerations, and cost efficiencies.
Beauty companies and packaging suppliers are rising to the challenge of creating packaging that is first and foremost safe, and then avoids reusing or recycling hazardous materials. Recycling awareness is growing, and PCR materials, recyclable mono-materials (PP, PE, PET), glass, cartonboard, and other materials are confronting regulatory problems.
How do you evaluate the packaging’s safety?
A cosmetic product placed on the market must be safe for human health when used under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions, according to the Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, and more particularly, Article 3. The responsible person must ensure that the cosmetic product, including its packaging, is subjected to a safety evaluation. The Regulation, on the other hand, provides no direction on how to analyze the packaging’s safety and does not specify which compounds may migrate, in what proportions this may be acceptable, or how a positive result of migration should be evaluated.
Container-content interactions occur when a formula comes into touch with packaging and undergoes physico-chemical exchanges. One of the most common processes that brings chemicals from packaging materials into cosmetic formulations is migration.
In this approach, the Commission Implementing Decision of November 25, 2013 (2013/674/EU) on recommendations for the implementation of Annex I of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 gives additional guidance on packing materials and probable substance release from packaging. To examine the safety of cosmetic packaging, this judgment recommends consulting Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on materials and objects designed to meet foodstuffs.It is critical to refer to current rules, standards, and texts that are particular to the type of material used and the product’s intended purpose. Indeed, because food packaging is frequently examined, important information on material stability and migration of chemicals may be accessible, but additional testing may be required. The general rule is that if a package is suitable for a certain type of food, it is generally safe for a cosmetic with comparable physico-chemical characteristics to food. Regardless, the applicable rules, standards, and texts, which are unique to the type of material used and the end application of the product, should be consulted.
Procedures for quality control and risk assessment management
Cosmetics Europe issued Guidelines in 2019 that define a collection of valuable information from packaging/material providers that helps the assessment of the packaging’s influence on the safety of the cosmetic product contained inside. The method is based on food packaging analyses, while also taking into account local tolerance.
Concerns about waste and the circular economy have encouraged companies to use packaging made of recycled materials more recently, in 2020. With the noteworthy exception of PET recycled through EFSA-evaluated processes, not all materials may claim conformity for food contact at this time, and there is no uniform European regulation in place.
Molpack assists clients with quality control and risk assessment management methods in the design, reuse, and valorisation of packaging, from the resin stage to final packaging and throughout the product life cycle, by taking into account both simple and complicated packaging.
In a world where environmental problems, performance, safety, and regulatory concerns are all linked, Molpack has developed a three-step method for evaluating package safety, including testing under real-world settings.
We work with beauty companies and packaging suppliers to help them meet and surpass their sustainability targets, such as increased recyclability and the use of recycled materials.
1. Cosmetic packaging regulatory and safety evaluation by analyzing packaging materials, confirming conformities, considering potential container-content interactions, and establishing an appropriate analytical testing and safety assessment strategy…
2. Analytical Testing, which includes chemical, physical, and mechanical testing, toxic substance analysis, food contact testing (overall and specific migration, NIAS), evaluating plastic content in relation to critical product protection requirements, checking packability for refill in points of sale, and compostability testing…
3. Conduct an audit by assessing the supply chain, packaging makers, and packaging materials providers.
We intend to continue to develop and create new solutions to suit the needs of brands, suppliers, and consumers, with so much progress already achieved and more on the way for sustainable packaging, new, more sustainable bio-materials, and new recycling methods.
