Kirin Holdings and FANCL “first in Japan” to create cosmetics packaging using beer by-products

22 Dec 2022 --- The latest cooperation between Kirin Holdings and FANCL has resulted in the development of cosmetics packaging using the by-products of beer production. In this upcycling initiative, the companies use plant-based instead of petroleum-derived raw materials to lower carbon emissions and reduce global warming.

Kirin’s Packaging Innovation Laboratory used hemicellulose extracted from lees – leftovers after squeezing wort in the beer-making process. The company explains that hemicellulose is a general term for polysaccharides, excluding the cellulose contained in plant cell walls. This is extracted from beer brewing lees of Ichiban Shibori.

In the future, the companies will consider applying hemicellulose-based sheets as material for various packaging. The two companies have been in alliance since 2019, intending to innovate with protecting the environment at the forefront.

Universal design
The refill packaging material can also be used for a “universal design,” making it easy to handle for foundation refills (patent pending at FANCL), for instance.

FANCL currently sells refills for products such as powder foundations in compact cases for reusability. However, the packaging material for the refill is made from general petroleum-derived PET material.Ichiban Shibori beer lees was used to make the packaging.

Further research with Business Innovation Partners, resulted in the creation of sheets suitable for producing refill packaging. This was made by mixing cellulose with hemicellulose from Ichiban Shibori beer lees.

However, technical hurdles to form a colorless and transparent packaging remain. Nonetheless, Kirin touts itself as the first company in Japan to successfully commercialize plant-derived cosmetic packaging material for refills made from beer lees.

Combined research
The beer lees are derived from Kirin’s beer brewing production. Business Innovation Partners conducts R&D and manufactures biomass plastics using hemicellulose as a raw material. Kirin continues researching technologies to efficiently extract and process hemicellulose and refill packaging materials.

Therefore, Kirin, FANCL and Business Innovation Partners jointly conducted research and manufacturing of the resin materials and sheets used for the hemicellulose-based packaging material.

In the next deployment, Kirin and FANCL aim to combine their knowledge to research and develop technologies that reduce environmental damage. For instance, they will look to improve container design and material development.

Kirin in the spotlight
A previous research collaboration between Kirin Holdings, FANCL and Keio University resulted in an enhanced cleansing agent developer utilizing artificial intelligence and molecular simulation technologies.Technical hurdles to form a colorless and transparent packaging remain.

It can be used when developing a cleanser with a “high makeup removal function.” The cleansing and washing process is expected to reduce cleansing time, save water and thus, lower environmental impacts.

“Since cleansing alone removes dirt and grime and refreshes the skin, some may wonder if they can get by without a face wash. Some may feel that they do not need to wash their face. However, since cleansers target different types of dirt (oil-based and water-based), cleansing with a double face wash is essential for skin care,” Hajime Ohtsuka, office of the president, general manager of public relations at FANCL, previously told PersonalCareInsights.

Kirin Holdings has been noted for its climate ambitions this year. Its long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target was previously commended by the Science Based Targets as the “first in the food and beverage processing sector” to have its science-based net-zero targets validated.

More specifically, its Environmental Vision 2050 – which targets net zero emissions for its “entire value chain” – has been certified as a scientifically-based goal that aligns with GHG emission reduction enforced by the 2015 Paris Agreement. 

Moreover, Kirin Beverage’s plan for this year centered around a rising emphasis on health and wellness among consumers, indicating the brand is shifting away from its traditional beverage lineup. Key focus areas include sustainable branding and strengthening its information channels to “instill an ‘immune care’ habit in consumers.”

Edited by Venya Patel