Green and glam: Biodegradable nail polish, flushable wet wipes and next-gen biopolymers

22 May 2023 --- From water-based 100% natural biodegradable nail polish to flushable wet wipes made from bamboo fiber, this month’s new introductions of functional, bio-based and planet-friendly beauty and hygiene innovations are supporting expanded eco-friendly living.

Green Science Alliance Co. recently unveiled the biodegradable nail polish, branded Re:soil, which is sold alongside a 100% natural nail polish remover. The brand name originates from the concept of developing cosmetic products that return back to soil by biodegradation. 

The company is aiming to replace all the petroleum, fossil fuel based chemical products with natural biomass-based chemical products. “In general, water-based nail polish can come off easily with water although these products stick onto the nail surface strongly,” it details.

“Color pigments are also derived from inorganic materials or stone-based materials and not from petroleum. There are some other 100% natural nail polish products, but they are solvent-based and not water-based.”

The products do not contain any toxic chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, synthesized camphor, triphenyl phosphate, paraben, xylene, styrene, oxybenzene and acetone.

Natura flushable and compostable wipes are made from 100% natural fibers, derived from sustainable bamboo pulp.“The products do not have an obnoxious smell either and children can enjoy them,” highlights the manufacturer.

The mother company of Green Science Alliance Co. is Fuji Pigment Co., which has been developing petroleum based color chemical businesses for over 85 years. Green Science Alliance Co. is directing its focus on developing other natural biomass based chemical products such as biomass biodegradable plastics, biomass biodegradable resin, biomass coating, biomass glue, biomass paint and biomass colors.

Bamboo-based flushable and compostable wipes
Acmemills, a manufacturer of innovative nonwoven fabrics, has introduced a line of flushable and compostable wipes, branded Natura. The wipes are made from 100% natural fibers, derived from sustainable bamboo pulp, which is renowned for its rapid growth and minimal ecological impact.

“Our investment in cutting-edge technology, combined with our commitment to sustainable sourcing, demonstrates our dedication to providing eco-conscious consumers with a reliable and responsible choice,” comments Matt Utley, chief sales officer of Acmemills.

Recognizing the urgency to tackle the issues posed by non-flushable wipes in municipal water systems, Acmemills has commissioned new state-of-the-art equipment to enhance Natura’s production capabilities. With the introduction of a 2.4-meter and 3.5-meter-wide hydroentangle line, the company states it is equipped to meet the increasing demand for flushable wipes.

“The need for flushable alternatives has become particularly pressing due to recent legislation introduced in California and Europe,” details the company. “These regulations target the disposal of plastic personal hygiene wipes and aim to minimize their impact on wastewater treatment systems.”

“Natura’s innovative solution addresses these concerns head-on by offering flushable wipes that are compatible with municipal water systems, reducing the strain on infrastructure and minimizing the risk of environmental damage.”

Alternative wipes could solve the plastic waste pollution in the UK’s second longest river, the Thames, that has changed the river’s course.

Rootness Mood+ uses an ingredient from traditional Chinese medicine to balance the adverse effects of reduced sun exposure.Biopolymers and solutions from traditional Chinese medicine
At the recently concluded Cosmetic Ingredients & Technology Exhibition at the Pacifico Yokohama in Japan, Clariant highlighted how it is leveraging science and technologies to bring out the best of sustainable beauty. 

The new rheology modifier Aristoflex Eco T is one product in the company’s range that caters for both performance and a desirable environmental profile. Unveiled this February, Aristoflex Eco T is a next-generation patented technology that combines performance of synthetic polymers with the environmental profile of biopolymers.

Next, the supplier presented its Nipaguard OS as an alternative preservative solution, offering all the formulation flexibilities and preservation requirements through its water solubility and pH stability.

Another product highlighted at CITE 2023 is the newly-launched Rootness Mood+ advanced skincare active ingredient that mimics the recognized benefits of natural light to reactivate the skin’s natural radiance by triggering photoreceptors on it. 

Rootness Mood+ was also a prominent product feature at the recent In-Cosmetics Global event in Barcelona, Spain, where PersonalCareInsights was in attendance.

Extracted eco-responsibly from the roots of the plant Sanguisorba officinalis that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, Rootness Mood+ balances the adverse effects of reduced sun exposure to cosmetically reproduce light’s benefits on the skin to improve mood while also boosting Vitamin D through distribution and receptor activation. 

Rootness Mood+ is produced by Patented Plant Milking Technology which explores generally inaccessible plant parts – the roots – without killing the tree and allows for the production of rare compounds at an industrial scale.

Lastly, for the fast-expanding segment of all-natural cosmetics and healthcare products, Clariant presented its Plantasens and Beraca ranges. The fully natural range of natural oils, butters and clays provide the “unique yet differentiated sensorial experience often necessary in cosmetic formulations in order for them to stand out in the competitive marketplace.”

By Benjamin Ferrer