Dow implements ionomers from renewable feedstocks to create circular cosmetic packaging

04 Oct 2023 --- Dow has launched two ecological ionomers grades that use renewable and circular feedstocks. Surlyn CIR is an ionomer produced from mixed plastic waste, while Surlyn REN is an ionomer made from bio-waste from other industries, such as used cooking oil.

Dow asserts that these two grades are significant for the cosmetic packaging and plastics industries. The new Surlyn grades will enable beauty brands and manufacturers to create sustainable and high-quality cosmetic packaging due to the properties that give the unique look, feel and performance for which the Surlyn material is known.

“Surlyn REN and Surlyn CIR are a major step forward in creating [environmentally] sustainable packaging for the cosmetic industry. [The release] will contribute to Dow’s bold ambition to transform waste and deliver three million metric tons per year of circular and renewable solutions by 2030,” comments Daniella Souza Miranda, global business director for Circular & Renewable Solutions, Dow.

Circular cosmetics
Utilizing waste residues or by-products from alternative product processes from other industries to create Surlyn REN allows the raw feedstock materials to avoid consuming extra land resources or competing with the food chain.

Dow’s new material can create perfume bottles from waste.Surlyn CIR ionomers are created through chemical recycling technologies, breaking down mixed waste plastics into their basic chemical elements, giving plastic waste a second life. This produces a raw material equivalent to those made from virgin fossil feedstock.

Circular feedstock such as this can be used in packaging and helps avoid plastic waste going to landfills or incinerated. Surlyn REN and Surlyn CIR’s production processes are certified on a mass balance basis by the International Sustainability Carbon Certification.

Industry application
LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) Beauty will be the first user of these new grades following the brand’s announced collaboration with Dow earlier this year.

The collaboration is intended to accelerate environmentally sustainable packaging across LVMH’s perfume and cosmetic products. The companies plan to integrate bio-based and circular plastics into several multinational product applications. 

“We are incredibly proud alongside LVMH Beauty to pioneer using renewable and circular materials to manufacture premium cosmetic packaging. These products will not only support LVMH toward its sustainability goals,” concludes Souza Miranda.

Earlier this month, LanzaTech Global collaborated with Dow to introduce a new biodegradable surfactant to the home care market made from carbon emissions. Surfactants are added to detergents to create foam and allow dirt to be washed away.

Edited by Sabine Waldeck