Product category:
Bottles, bottling and jars materials, equipment and services
News Release from: RPC Containers | Subject: PHA
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 26 May 2006
Lipstick From Organic Polymer 100%
Biodegradable
RPC Cresstale has completed the first trial production of a 100 per cent biodegradable lipstick.
RPC Cresstale has completed the first trial production of a 100 per cent biodegradable lipstick The development, which follows the moulding of a compact using the same polymer, is claimed to represent a significant breakthrough in cosmetics packaging
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Jul 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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The pack was produced using PHA, a polymer produced from organic sugars and oils that breaks down in soil, composting, waste treatment processes, river water and marine environments.
The only products generated during decomposition are carbon dioxide and water; since these are the materials required used to make the material, the life cycle is effectively a closed loop, said RPC.
PHA, whilst behaving essentially like fossil fuel based polymers when moulded, has a smaller manufacturing 'window.' The resulting mouldings have, to date, proved to be far more heat stable than the more familiar biodegradable PLA polymer, proving PHA's suitability to the cosmetics packaging market, added the company.
The lipstick uses the RPC patented 'Revolve' mechanism, which has a collapsible tower.
That allows the lipstick, including the decorative cover and base, to be made in only four moulded parts and from one single material, instead of the conventional five components requiring a number of different materials, it is claimed.
Work began on the lipstick following the successful moulding of a complete screw-top cosmetic powder compact.
John Birkett, project manager at RPC Cresstale, said: "A high degree of moulding expertise was needed to overcome the previously unknown problems presented when moulding this innovative new material.
The successful application of PHA indicates that fully biodegradable cosmetics packaging can be a reality.".
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