Fekkai and Honeywell upgrade haircare with “ultra-low” global warming potential
31 Aug 2022 --- Fekkai is utilizing Honeywell’s Solstice Propellant technology in its Volume Lock Hair Spray, Flexible Hold Hair Spray and Sheer Dry Shampoo – three of its newest products. The tech is used in beauty and personal care products, and the company says it can help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 99% compared with traditional propellants commonly used in cosmetics.
A ready-now hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) solution that has an ultra-low global warming potential of less than one, the Solstice Propellant in Fekkai’s newest products will further the brand’s focus on clean and environmentally sustainable ingredients to help eliminate the potentially harmful effects of beauty products on the environment.
Protecting the Ozone
According to Honeywell, with globally-adopted phase-down regulations to reduce carbon emissions, traditional propellants used in cosmetics, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are being eliminated.
Formulators such as Fekkai can employ Honeywell's Solstice solution to achieve VOC reduction targets set by CARB.Honeywell’s Solstice Propellant solution is non-ozone depleting and is a volatile organic compound (VOC)-exempt – per the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) – meaning it has negligible contribution to ground-level smog formation.
As a result, formulators such as Fekkai can employ the solution to achieve VOC reduction targets set by CARB, particularly in hair spray and dry shampoo applications.
“For our new sheer dry shampoo and hair sprays, we were insistent on finding a spray technology that would shatter the myth that clean and reduced-impact hair care does not perform at the highest quality,” says Frédéric Fekkai, CEO and founder at Fekkai.
“One of the guiding principles for the new and updated Fekkai brand, which is focused on clean, vegan and lower-impact products, is that looking good should not be at the planet’s expense. Honeywell’s Solstice Propellant was the perfect solution to allow us to bring reduced-impact, high-performance hair sprays and dry shampoo to market,” he continues.
Climate change solutions
Honeywell’s Solstice technology helps customers lower their GHG emissions and improve energy efficiency.
The technology can be employed in various products, including refrigerants for supermarkets, air conditioning for cars and trucks, blowing agents for insulation, propellants for personal and household care, solvents for cleaning solutions, and is also being evaluated for use in metered dose inhalers.
“When Fekkai approached us about using Honeywell’s Solstice Propellant technology, we collaborated to provide consumers with a safe product they can feel good about, and that’s better for the environment, without sacrificing performance,” says Laura Reinhard, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Foam and Industrial Products.
Keeping up with environmental sustainability, Ball Corporation launched what it says is the company’s most environmentally sustainable aluminum aerosol can to date. 
Volume Lock Hair Spray, Flexible Hold Hair Spray and Sheer Dry Shampoo are the three new launches by Fekkai.
Containing half the carbon footprint of a standard can, the release was intended to support Ball’s ambition to achieve its 2030 science-based targets and net-zero emissions before 2050.
“With the impacts of climate change becoming more visible, we see a growing focus on efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging,” says Jason Galley, senior director of sustainability, Ball Aerosol Packaging. Ball’s aerosol cans incorporate up to 50% recycled content and low-carbon aluminum smelted using renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power.
Innova Market Insights found this year that 13% of global consumers agree that packaging made from recycled materials is the most environmentally sustainable option.
Edited by Radhika Sikaria
