With a ‘vision to foster the use of recycled plastic in cosmetic packaging across the industry,’ the cooperation is said to be the first ‘standard concept’ and gives guidance to recyclers and cosmetic manufacturers. According to a press release, Werner & Mertz and Beiersdorf, in cooperation with Dr. Frank Welle from the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, have drawn up an inventory of existing recyclates on the European market in a bid to provide the industry some guidance and increase clarity on the usage of recycled plastic in cosmetics packaging. Michael Becker, Head of Global Packaging Development, Beiersdorf, said, “It quickly became clear that we had to provide support in the development of high-quality recyclates, especially in defining quality requirements. Werner & Mertz had already done excellent preparatory work in this area. Together we developed the idea further and set the basis for a cosmetics standard.” The aim of the initiative is to encourage companies to ‘design plastic packaging in a way that it consists of high-quality material that can be recycled.’ Immo Sander, Head of Packaging Development, Werner & Mertz, said, “With our joint work, we have proven that mechanical recycling is a viable route for high-quality secondary plastic materials. Our findings are forward-looking and intended to give all players more security. “If many companies follow our example, demand will be increased, which will accelerate investments in processing plants and make the repeated use of plastic waste more economical. This then benefits not only the companies but protects our environment. In Beiersdorf we have found a strong cooperation partner who shares our vision of an industry-wide use of recycled material.”
