Kolmar Korea and Eastman partner for bio-based color cosmetics
Key takeaways
- Eastman and Kolmar Korea have signed an MoU to develop eco-friendly makeup materials.
- Eastman’s tree-derived cellulose and biodegradable polymers target microplastic-free color cosmetics.
- The partnership taps into the rising demand for sustainable beauty and K-beauty innovation.
Eastman and Kolmar Korea have partnered to develop natural cosmetic ingredients using tree-derived cellulose and biodegradable polymers. The collaboration comes as the industry is working to remove microplastics from cosmetics.
The eco-friendly materials can be used in color cosmetics to improve spreadability, adhesion, and long-lasting effects.
A Kolmar Korea spokesperson says: “We plan to maximize synergy by collaborating with Eastman, which has strengths in the eco-friendly materials field. We will support strengthening the competitiveness of our global customers with next-generation makeup materials that are both sustainable and have excellent functionality.”
On January 16, Kolmar Korea and Eastman signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Kolmar’s Research Center in Seoul, South Korea, to develop “eco-friendly” makeup materials.
The MoU ceremony was attended by officials, including Sang-geun Han, VP at Kolmar Korea Research Center, and Travis Smith, executive VP at Eastman.
Biodegradable cosmetic ingredients
According to Kolmar Korea, Eastman is recognized for its “world-class” technology in sustainable materials, including its ability to break down waste plastics into molecular units and recycle them into raw materials.
Last year, Eastman Chemicals launched Esmeri CC1N10, a biodegradable, non-microplastic color cosmetic enhancer. It is intended for use in lipsticks, liquid foundations, and pressed powders, and can be used in all color cosmetic formulations.
Eastman’s research shows a higher-than-expected consumer openness to sustainable solutions, even if it means switching brands. The company’s 2026 forecast for formulation science found that collaboration and innovation are crucial for brands to meet rising expectations.
Tapping the K-beauty trend
Western companies are increasingly partnering with South Korean brands, capitalizing on the growing momentum of K-beauty.
Recently, Kolmar Korea partnered with Amazon to present a roadmap for the global expansion of K-beauty. Meanwhile, South Korean skin care brand Mamonde entered the European market through retailer Lyko.
Kolmar Korea was also selected as the only cosmetics company to join South Korea’s AI Factory Alliance, which aimed to reinvent the country’s manufacturing sector through AI.
